Following a tough and disappointing series loss to No. 10 Cal State Fullerton two weeks ago, the members of the UCLA baseball team had a week to recuperate their injured bodies, work on fundamentals, and refocus to get ready for the next challenge.
The first chance No. 23 UCLA (7-7) has to get back on the winning track in what players and coaches referred to as its “new season” happens this weekend when it travels to Oxford, Miss. to take on the Ole Miss Rebels (11-4).
Both players and coaches alike believe that the week off, which is the Bruins’ longest break of the season, was very beneficial in more ways than one.
“The break gave us a good chance to give our bodies a break and allow for some guys to heal a bit,” sophomore catcher Ryan Babineau said. “It also gave us a chance to work on some things that we didn’t execute in the past series. We are coming off a tough loss to Fullerton and the break gave us a chance to regroup.”
The break allowed players to work on fundamentals they have struggled with, such as scoring runs with runners in scoring position, and offers the Bruins a chance to start fresh and make a statement.
“We have to learn how to play well on the road and win road games because we will need to, come conference play,” UCLA coach John Savage said.
The Bruins will turn to their ace and Pac-10 Pitcher of the Week for Feb. 19-25, senior Tyson Brummett, tonight to start the team off on the right track. The Utah native has been spectacular so far this season, posting a record of 3-1, a 1.34 ERA and 33 Ks while allowing only six walks. Brummett has also thrown two complete games on the young season, one against East Carolina on Feb. 16 and another against Fullerton on Feb. 23.
“This weekend I’m just looking forward to pitching well and giving us a chance to win the game,” Brummett said. “I just want to go out there and win on Friday and hope to start us off on the right foot and give the team an opportunity to win the series.”
If Brummett pitches anywhere close to the level he has been at so far this season, the Bruins could be in a good position to get back on the winning track and climb a few games above the .500 mark.
The Bruins face a tough task in Mississippi with the hostile environment at Swayze Field and Ole Miss’ pitching and physicality on offense.
“Their pitching is very good,” Savage said. “They have a solid bullpen and have powerful arms. They are physical on the offensive side of the ball. Overall, they are very good.”
NOTES: For the first time this season, freshman pitcher Charles Brewer has been cleared for activity. Brewer has been sidelined so far this season due to illness. Savage expects Brewer to pitch a few bullpen sessions before he enters the starting rotation as the Saturday starter. If Brewer does pitch this weekend, Savage said it would be a limited role.