UCLA baseball enters its final series of the regular season facing one of the most unusual teams in the Pac-12, statistically speaking.
Oregon is a team that has managed to build a 35-22 record this season without ranking in the top 70 in nearly every major statistical category. The Ducks are No. 259 in batting average, No. 139 in scoring, No. 166 in stolen bases per game, No. 144 in fielding percentage and No. 75 in ERA.
So how have the Ducks (14-13 Pac-12) worked their way into contention for a spot in the 64-team NCAA Tournament? Two words: small ball.
Oregon is No. 15 in the nation in walks per game, averaging 4.79 per contest, and No. 2 in sacrifice hits.
While No. 2 UCLA (41-12, 21-6) is not on Oregon’s level in those statistical categories, ranking No. 21 and No. 26, respectively, sophomore outfielder Kort Peterson said the Bruins are getting there.
“I think we’ve really improved on having good at bats – not giving away as many at bats,” Peterson said.
Since a six-game drought in early March when the Bruins went 2-4 while averaging just 2.17 runs per game, UCLA has put together more quality at bats and more runs. UCLA has gone 28-7 since that March drought with an average of 6.06 runs per game.
If the Bruins get anywhere near that run total against the lower-scoring Ducks this weekend, they should be in line to capture their 10th straight Pac-12 series win. And even though UCLA has already captured the Pac-12 regular season title, junior second baseman Trent Chatterton said the Bruins will not be holding anything back against the Ducks.
“We are not really gonna take anything too light,” Chatterton said. “I know we already won the Pac-12 and everything, but these last three games could really prepare us for the postseason.”
Chatterton said the Bruins could use these final three games to improve their defense specifically. UCLA currently holds the No. 31 fielding percentage, but Chatterton said there’s always room for improvement on defense.
If the Bruin defenders have a busy weekend in Oregon, it bodes well for the Bruins in more ways than one. By forcing the Ducks to put the ball in play, the Bruins will be taking away Oregon’s primary offensive source: walks.
Compiled by Matthew Joye, Bruin Sports senior staff.