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Despite two home runs and 3 RBI by Brett Stephens, the only Bruin to bring his bat to the series opener between the UCLA Baseball team (13-14, 6-4 PAC 12) and the Washington Huskies (17-11, 5-2 PAC 12), the Bruins fell, 7-3. UCLA only managed three total hits on the night, the other being a two out single by Chase Strumpf in the 7th inning.
College baseball teams are not going to win many games with only three hits.
Griffin Canning had a rough outing, surrendering five runs (four earned) on ten hits in 5 and 2⁄3 innings. Canning took the loss, falling to 2-2 on the season.
Washington pounded out thirteen hits, with the meat of the order, the three through five slots, combining for seven hits in 13 at-bats, four runs, and six RBI. It could have been worse; Washington stranded eleven runners on base.
U-Dub leapfrogs UCLA in the PAC 12 standings, and is now sitting in second place. UCLA is tied for third place with Arizona
Moises Ceja (1-1, 2.53 ERA) will take the hill for UCLA this afternoon as UCLA looks to even the series. First pitch is at 2 p.m. PT. Ceja has been good for UCLA through 5 innings, but typically tires and has trouble around the 6th inning. It is "pick your poison" for UCLA Head Coach John Savage, as UCLA’s bullpen also raises questions. If the game is close around the sixth inning, it will be interested to see how Coach Savage handles his staff.
Freshman, lefthander Chris Micheles (1-2, 3.68 ERA), will start for U-Dub. Hopefully the Bruins can tag him for some runs early in the game, and avoid a potential pitching issue in the mid to late innings.
To do so, however, the Bruins will need to bring their bats this afternoon to avoid a Washington series win. It is going to be a beautiful day in Los Angeles, perfect weather to take in a game at Jackie Robinson Stadium.
If you cannot make it to the ballpark, follow along with UCLA’s online streaming audio or via live stats.
This is your UCLA Bruins baseball versus Washington Huskies game two open thread.
Go Bruins!