After winning their midweek game against UC Irvine this Tuesday, the Bruins are set to begin Pac-12 play, as they go head to head with the California Golden Bears (10-5) in a three-game series starting Friday.
UCLA, which dropped from No. 13 to No. 25 after last week’s losses to unranked Pepperdine and Houston, will have a chance to redeem itself this weekend, as it has a strong record against Cal historically.
Last season, UCLA faced Cal at the Jackie Robinson Stadium, winning two games in the three-game series.
The Bruins have also won six of their last seven series against the Golden Bears. Even so, unless the team can capitalize on its midweek victory, this series could go either way.
Sophomore right-handed starting pitcher James Kaprielian is slated to open for the Bruins this weekend, marking his fifth start of the season. Kaprielian, who received freshman All-American honors last year, has a 3.20 ERA this season, but leads the team in strikeouts with 34.
However, Kaprielian will face tough competition on Friday as he goes up against Cal’s current top pitcher, freshman right-hander Daulton Jefferies, who holds a 3.80 ERA with 16 strikeouts to date and two shutouts to kick off his collegiate career.
Junior left-hander Grant Watson (2.16) will start Saturday’s game while sophomore right-hander Cody Poteet (2.42) will close out the series on Sunday.
Sunday’s game will be televised on the Pac-12 Network.
Compiled by Marion Patricio, Bruin Sports reporter.