Treading water at 3-4 and with a murderous road schedule yet to
come, the UCLA baseball team couldn’t be happier to be back
in Jackie Robinson Stadium to take on North Carolina State.
After a half-hearted effort in dropping two out of three games
to Hawai’i, the Bruins are rejuvenated and looking forward to
playing at home. They know that this weekend series is critical for
the future of the season.
“We didn’t expect to be 3-4 right now,” junior
Chris Cordeiro said. “This is the easier part of our
schedule.”
Sandwiched between a flight to Hawai’i and a trip to Texas
are three games against the Wolfpack at home. Should the Bruins
sweep their opponents, the team would be over .500 for the first
time since the season opener. If the team continues to struggle,
however, there is a definite potential that it will dig itself into
a deep hole.
“It’s always nice to play at home,” sophomore
outfielder Chris Jensen said. “We’re rested. … This
weekend is important because we have a tough schedule up
ahead.”
Despite scoring only 13 runs in three games against the
Warriors, the Bruins aren’t concerned yet with their offense.
They’ve shown earlier in the year that the team can put big
numbers on the board, scoring 30 runs in two games against Cal
State Northridge. Head coach Gary Adams is confident that the heart
of the lineup will turn around this weekend.
“The guys that hit 3-4-5 didn’t hit like 3-4-5
hitters, that was the difference in the series,” he said.
“Watch this series and see how they do ““ I expect them
to come through.”
With the exception of struggling sophomore Wes Whisler, the
starting rotation has been excellent thus far. The problems with
the pitching have mostly come out of the bullpen. But, since
Cordeiro missed his start Wednesday due to rain, he will be
available for relief pitching.
“The bullpen is huge. We have some freshmen getting their
feet wet,” sophomore outfielder Chris Jensen said. “I
have confidence that when we get the lead we can hold
it.”
Despite the importance of these games, Adams isn’t placing
any special emphasis in the preparation for this team. The lineup
and pitching rotation has remained the same. The season is still
early, and for Adams, it isn’t time to panic just yet.
“I’m stressing the importance of every game,”
he said. “Right now, Friday versus North Carolina State looms
the largest.”