Looking to build on the success from its sweep of the Washington State Cougars over the weekend, UCLA will go on the road and take on No. 8 Cal State Fullerton today in the Bruins’ final nonconference game of the season.
After the sweep, the Bruins (29-23, 11-10 Pac-10) can improve their chances of making the playoffs tremendously with a win over the nationally ranked Titans (35-17, 15-6 Big West). With only one weekend series left against Pac-10 rival California, UCLA will have to capitalize on this opportunity to gain ground in the RPI in hopes of making the postseason tournament. However, Cal State Fullerton will likely provide a difficult challenge.
“Fullerton’s a good team, and they’ve gotten the best of us the last four times we’ve played them,” senior catcher Brent Dean said. “I think we’re ready. I think if we just go out there and stick with our plan and have our guys come out and play aggressive like they have been, I think we’ll put up a better game than last time.”
UCLA lost to Fullerton earlier in the season on March 4, 7-1. Despite this loss, the Bruins will look to turn things around this time, as UCLA’s Matt Grace (0-0, 3.24 ERA) will take the mound against Kevin Rath (1-0, 6.14 ERA).
The Bruins will attempt to build off the momentum from their wins over Washington State. The players have begun to gel and play better together as of late, and Dean and fellow senior Alden Carrithers will look to continue their strong play. Carrithers in particular has played well this season, batting .378 this season with a .541 slugging percentage.
Additionally, sophomore Gabe Cohen will try to build on the momentum of his own strong weekend, which included two home runs against the Cougars.
“I think we will just stay with the same approach,” Cohen said. “One inning at time. (The Titans) are a good team but we’re playing well right now. I think if we slow it down we should be just fine.”
A win on Tuesday would be crucial for the Bruins heading into their regular season-ending weekend series against No. 19 Cal. UCLA is currently tied for third in the Pac-10 with Cal, and wins against the Golden Bears would go a long way toward securing the Bruins a berth in the NCAA regionals.
But, for now, their attention is focused on Cal State Fullerton.
“We’ve got to go out and play well,” coach John Savage said. “They handled us earlier in the year but I think we’re a different team, and I’m sure they are as well. They’re playing well. It’s a big game for us to start the week off the right way before we head off for Cal.”