This is why he came back. For UCLA senior Brett McMillan, one
taste of the baseball postseason in three years was not enough.
McMillan was drafted in the 36th round by the Washington Nationals
last year. Instead of heading into the minors, he opted to come
back for his final season at UCLA. With the Bruins heading into the
regional playoffs this weekend in Malibu, McMillan has had no cause
to regret his decision. “This was the No. 1 reason I came
back,” McMillan said. “There was other stuff that
worked into (the decision), but I could see a lot of positives in
this team. Now it’s just paying off for everyone.”
McMillan, a corner infielder, has been used in a reduced role this
year. After starting for much of his career, he started in just 28
of the 55 games this year. While that has been difficult to deal
with, he said it is not important considering the success the team
has had. “That’s just not what’s it about,”
McMillan said. “It’s about the team first. We’ve
been winning more this season, and we’ve put ourselves in a
good position to make a run in the playoffs.” Despite reduced
playing time, McMillan has still provided his customary power, with
his six home runs tied for the team lead. Along with his power, he
has also embraced his role as a team leader. The Bruins are powered
by their freshmen, but these freshmen are new to the playoffs.
McMillan has seen to it that they do not get too hyped up.
“They just have to make sure that nothing changes,” he
said. “Play it like it’s just another game. It’s
this label of “˜postseason’ that gives it the pressure
it has. They just have to go out, have fun, and play with
energy.” Freshman Jermaine Curtis, who has started third base
during much of the time that McMillan has not, cited McMillan and
junior Nolan Rouse as the two players who have kept the team
levelheaded. “They really help guide me,” Curtis said.
“They always just keep telling us “˜it’s just
another game, it’s just another game.’ They really help
me stay steady.”
WAKE-UP CALL: The Bruins will be waking up at
6:30 a.m. today to practice. This is not a torture method designed
by coach John Savage, but rather a necessity due to the 11 a.m.
start time on Friday against UC Irvine in Malibu. Because
Pepperdine does not have lights, all the games will be day games.
“We’re just going to have to get used to it,”
Savage said. “We’re doing the run-through on Thursday
and having batting practice at 8:40. “It’s pretty
unusual. There aren’t many regional sites that don’t
have lights, if there are any others. But at the same time,
we’re just ecstatic to be in the postseason.” Curtis
did not sound as ecstatic about the morning wake-up call. “I
don’t even wake up that early for class,” Curtis said.
Senior Josh Roenicke, who injured his back and did not play against
Oregon State on Sunday, will likely be playing this weekend.