The No. 12 UCLA baseball team can’t wait to hit the field at Jackie Robinson Stadium Friday.
Several key positions – including all infield spots and catcher – have been up for grabs since school began. Coach John Savage, who is entering his fifth season at the helm of the Bruins, has liked what he has seen out of this group of players.
"The group has had tremendous work ethic," Savage said. "You see a lot of competitiveness and toughness that you’d like to see as a coach going into a brand new year."
Baseball America tabbed the Bruins at No. 1 in its preseason rankings last season and at No. 12 this year. Players might have felt added pressure to live up to that and it’s something Savage is not concerned with this season.
"The bottom line is that we didn’t play up to our expectations last season," he said. "Preseason rankings are exactly what they mean – they’re preseason."
Junior right-hander Charles Brewer, who opens the season as the Sunday starting pitcher, noted that the team needs to play well throughout in order to accomplish the ultimate goal.
"The difference-maker will be consistency," Brewer said. "Consistency will get us to Omaha."
UCLA players have had to deal with the rainy weather in recent days. At Tuesday’s practice, a group of about 15 worked on getting water off the tarp covering the infield. Though all three games against UC Davis are expected to be played, the weekend forecast calls for a few showers Sunday.