Looking to the last portion of its season with hopeful eyes
after breaking its 19-game losing streak last Saturday, the UCLA
baseball team suffered another disappointment on Tuesday, falling
9-6 on the road to an abysmal nonconference opponent in the San
Diego State Aztecs.
The Bruins were in control for the better part of the game,
leading during three different parts of the game. But the Aztecs
slowly picked up their hitting and UCLA (8-25, 0-6 Pac-10)
committed three errors, which led to five Aztec runs scored, in the
bottom of the fifth inning after it lead by one run 5-4.
“We just didn’t play very good defense,” UCLA
coach John Savage said.
“We gave up four unearned runs, and that just won’t
get it done.”
UCLA junior Scott Botterman took the loss, giving up three runs
in the third inning after starting pitcher junior Paul Oseguera
started the game and gave up four runs in four innings, striking
out six.
Oseguera, who got his first collegiate start, pitched well
during one stretch when he retired nine Aztecs (11-24) in a row and
threw 44 of 67 pitches for strikes.
“I felt pretty good in regards to competing,” the
left-handed pitcher said.
“I felt good about not giving in, but at the same time, I
did give up four runs.
“They were pretty aggressive hitters, so if I made a
mistake, they’d be on it.”
Though Oseguera never pitched before this game and his ERA sits
at a lowly 11.57, he has impressed Savage with the way he
competes.
“He was definitely a positive today,” Savage said.
“After the first couple of hitters, he settled in.
“I’m pretty pleased with the way he threw the
ball.”
On offense, the Bruins played relatively well, in relation to
their anemic offensive output over the losing streak.
Juniors Chris Jensen, who has a batting average of .500 this
season, and Brett McMillan combined for five hits and three RBIs.
But their offense was not enough on a day that the UCLA defense was
atrocious in the final inning, and the pitching staff gave up nine
runs.
Nevertheless, the Bruins have continued to keep a positive spin
on their season.
“We just have to keep battling,” Oseguera said.
“Eventually, good things will happen.”
The Bruins will be looking toward this weekend’s series at
Arizona State for the next hope of redeeming their season.