Officially out of playoff contention, only one thing has yet to
be decided for the Bruins: whether or not head coach Gary Adams
will return for a 30th season at the helm of UCLA baseball.
After dropping two of three to Stanford, the team’s slim
chances of making the postseason were rendered nil.
Still, with three conference games remaining on the schedule,
the Bruins must set new goals while they play out the string.
Nothing is left to play for, essentially, other than pride.
“After we lost, the reality of not making the postseason
set in,” pitching coach Gary Adcock said. “If you have
any pride in yourself, the team and the university, then
you’re going to come out this weekend ready to
play.”
Little will change for UCLA strategy-wise, except the pitching
rotation. The Bruins have lost six straight Sunday games, and so
senior Mike Kunes will close the series rather than open it.
“Sundays have not been a good day for us in league so we
chose Mike because he has the most experience,” Adcock
said.
Junior Casey Janssen has been hot of late and will pitch the
opening game, followed by sophomore Wes Whisler.
The Cougars are the worst team in the Pac-10, and a sweep of the
weekend would allow the Bruins to finish an even .500 in conference
play, a feat that Adams believes will sweeten the otherwise bitter
end of their season.
“This team will be remembered for beating the good teams
but losing to the lesser teams,” Adams said. “But you
remember how you finish better than how you begin. If we can beat
Washington State that tag will be lifted.”
The inconsistency of the season can perhaps be attributed to the
team’s youth and injuries. However, it is difficult to
explain how a team can beat the likes of Texas and Arizona State,
yet finish under .500 in the year.
“As the year went on, this team definitely got
better,” Adams said. “Our goal is to finish the season
strong, and keep a good feeling about next season.”
Adams, though, may not be around to see that improvement.
Without a vote of confidence coming from the Athletic Department,
the weekend series may just be a meaningless prelude to the main
event.