The more I think about it, the more impressive it becomes.
To think that a few weeks ago the UCLA baseball team was floundering. The Bruins then gave credence to the argument that while they may be a good team, they will never be a truly great one, and that the Bruins are not capable of living up to the lofty expectations that have been heaped upon them.
On April 16, the Bruins were 14-19 overall, sitting in sixth place in the Pac-10 with a conference record of 6-6. A berth in the NCAA Regionals seemed like not only a long shot but also an impossibility.
Fast-forward to today. The Bruins are 23-22, winners of 10 of their last 13 games, and have jumped in the Pac-10 standings from sixth place to second.
It’s an unbelievable transformation, going from a team without confidence or much hope for making a fourth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Regionals, to one riding high and just three games out of first place in the conference.
UCLA baseball: where amazing happens … maybe.
Before the Bruins get too caught up in their improved play and substantially increased playoff chances, they need to avoid allowing a sense of accomplishment and contentment to set in.
Because in the end, while they have turned their season around, the Bruins haven’t accomplished anything.
Should they miss out on a playoff berth, these three weeks of good feelings would vanish faster than Tracy McGrady’s chances of ever winning a playoff series.
Eleven games remain, with the final seven games coming against teams ranked in Baseball America’s Top 10.
After a three-game home series against lowly California and a midweek game against underachieving Long Beach State, the fun begins: a three-game series against No. 6 Cal State Fullerton, a road game against No. 1 UC Irvine and a three-game series at No. 5 Arizona State.
If the Bruins wish to prove that these past three weeks have been more than just a show of what they’re capable of and make the playoffs, here’s what needs to happen:
“¢bull; A sweep of California and a victory over Long Beach State to conclude a 5-0 home stand.
“¢bull; A series victory against Cal State Fullerton. While a sweep would be great, if the Bruins take two of three from the Titans, it would greatly help their playoff chances.
“¢bull; A close game against UC Irvine on the road.
“¢bull; A series victory on the road against Arizona State.
If all of this happens, the Bruins could be looking at a record of 31-25 by winning eight of their last 11 games.
It’s not unrealistic to think this could happen. Three weeks ago, it would be a stretch of the imagination to believe that the Bruins would be capable of winning down the stretch, but that was before this current streak.
But I can’t emphasize this enough: The Bruins must avoid becoming complacent with their recent stretch of good play.
So Bruins, what will it be? A run to a fourth consecutive NCAA Regionals appearance? Or just another display of the potential you have, yet are never able to put together at the right moment?
You have 11 games left. Good luck.
What’s more likely? Tracy McGrady winning a playoff series, or the Bruins sweeping Fullerton and Arizona State? E-mail your answer to Howard at ahoward@media.ucla.edu.