Most players in Division I baseball have spent their whole lives
winning. Thus, the Bruins’ season, in which UCLA’s
record is currently 9-28, has been quite an adjustment for
everyone, from the starters down to the bench-warmers. Still, for
the very few Bruins who played regularly and realized success the
past few seasons, the transition may be even harder. Brett McMillan
is a prime example. The junior has started nearly every game over
his career and hit at the heart of the lineup in some explosive
UCLA offenses. Though the ultimate results haven’t been the
same this year, his production has been solid. He has started all
37 games and has a .275 average while leading the team with six
home runs, 24 RBI, 24 runs, and 38 hits. “I’ve been
pretty satisfied with my hitting, but the winning and losing is
always the biggest thing,” he said. “You never get used
to losing.” As a co-captain along with junior Chris Denove,
McMillan has also had the responsibility of keeping the team
focused amid the frustration. “I always try to lead by
example,” he said. “But I think it’s kind of time
to speak up a little bit, although I’m not the kind of guy to
get in a guy’s face.” On top of that, McMillan has had
to deal with an unexpected position switch. At the beginning of the
year, UCLA coach John Savage likely figured he could pen in
McMillan at first base through May. But because of injuries to Eric
Taylor and Sean Smith, McMillan has moved over to start at third
base, a position he played during fall practice, but is still
adjusting to. “I didn’t expect this coming into the
year,” McMillan said. “But I’m always ready to
go.”
UPCOMING: UCLA will be searching for its first
Pac-10 victory this weekend against Cal (27-18, 7-8). The Bruins
are amid an eight-game home stand and hope that Tuesday’s 3-1
win over UC Irvine can propel them through a more favorable part of
their schedule. “I think we’ll build off this
win,” Savage said. “Whenever we win on a Tuesday, we
can build and look forward to the weekend.” UCLA will trot
out Hector Ambriz to the mound on Friday followed by Bryan Beck on
Saturday. Savage has yet to announce a Sunday starter.