The story remained the same for the UCLA baseball team as its
season fell even further into the abyss Tuesday night in a 2-1 loss
to Long Beach State at Blair Field.
The Bruins (7-18) had chances to break out of their then-losing
streak, but once again could not produce in the clutch, extending
their losing streak to 14.
In the seventh inning, UCLA loaded the bases with one out and
the score tied 1-1. But second baseman Sean Carpenter fouled out to
LBSU first baseman Brandon Godfrey and shortstop Tommy Lansdon
would strike out swinging to end the threat.
The score remained the same until the ninth inning when the
Dirtbags (22-10) manufactured the winning run with some small
ball.
Cole Jacobson and Steve Velasco hit singles off of Bruin
reliever Bryan Beck (0-5) and Evan Longoria layed down a sacrifice
bunt that moved the runners up a base. Godfrey succeeded where the
Bruins failed earlier in the game, hitting a sacrifice fly to right
field that would score Jacobson and win the game.
Despite the loss, UCLA coach John Savage feels the team is on
the cusp of turning this nightmare of a season around.
“We played well and we had some tough luck,” Savage
said.
“If you play the way we did tonight, you’re going to
see this thing turn around.”
The loss ruined a good outing from UCLA starter Adam Simon, who
threw five innings, giving up one run on four hits while punching
out five Dirtbags.
The game did not appear destined to be a pitcher’s duel
after the first inning.
The Bruins started off the game well, taking a first-inning lead
on a Carpenter single after leadoff hitter Will Penniall started
the game with a triple. But UCLA quickly lost the lead in the
bottom of the inning. Dirtbag shortstop Troy Tulowitzki hit a solo
home run off of Simon with two outs to tie the game.
“Things aren’t falling for us but I think
we’re really close,” Simon said. “We just need to
keep on playing hard and stick together.”