The hits keep coming for UCLA’s baseball team, though not
necessarily on offense.
Going into this weekend’s series against Pac-10 cellar
dweller Washington State (20-32), the injury-plagued Bruins have
learned that they will likely be without the services of pitcher
Paul Oseguera for the remainder of the season.
The redshirt junior, who underwent shoulder surgery two years
ago, has had pain in his pitching arm throughout much of the
season.
“Oseguera has medical issues,” Savage said.
“He’s been hurt for two-and-a-half years. He probably
won’t pitch again this year. It’s a shame. He was
pitching very well.”
Oseguera posted an 8.10 ERA in six appearances this year, but
showed a great deal of progress in the Bruins’ win over UC
Irvine on May 10, when he pitched five innings and gave up only one
run.
Although the injury is a setback, this weekend will still likely
be the Bruins’ best chance to win a series. The Cougars have
yet to win a game in conference play, while the Bruins have shown
some improvement since their 19-game losing streak earlier this
season.
Savage feels both teams’ poor records reflects the
strength of the Pac-10.
“The Pac-10 is the best it’s been in five to seven
years,” Savage said. “It’s as good a league as
it’s ever been. The depth of the league has been amazing, as
can be seen by the emergence of Oregon State.”
While the Bruins as a team have struggled, pitcher Hector Ambriz
has had a standout season. Ambriz, an All-American candidate, has a
.333 batting average, a 3.91 ERA and has struck out a team-leading
77 batters. Ambriz is the only player to pitch and hit in the
Pac-10, and has come on strong in the last few weeks, giving up
only five runs in the last 21 1/3 innings.
Compiled by David Woods and Jeff Eisenberg, Bruin Sports
senior staff.