UCLA softball’s winning streak runs on clutch comebacks

The UCLA softball team may be one of only five undefeated teams in the country, but it hasn’t exactly dominated each of its opponents this season.

As a matter of fact, if not for some late-inning heroics and a few fortunate bounces, No. 8 UCLA could possibly be 12-4 right now, instead of 16-0.

On four separate occasions, the Bruins have trailed in the sixth inning or later. Twice, they have been one out away from defeat. In both of those games, UCLA’s opponent committed a defensive error on what was potentially the Bruins’ final out of the game. But regardless of how close UCLA has gotten to losing this season, it has found a way to win each and every game so far.

“We’ve had some great come-from-behind wins,” said coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. “And that builds confidence knowing that … we’re going to play seven strong down to the last pitch and that’s a big part of success.”

The combination of clutch hitting and good fortune has resulted in the Bruins’ best start to a season since 2004, in which UCLA softball won a national championship. Unlike the 2004 team, which won its first 18 games without a single walk-off victory, this year’s team has, at times, saved its best play for the later innings.

“One thing about our team that I’m also impressed with is we get stronger throughout a ballgame,” Inouye-Perez said. “From their first at-bat to their last at-bat … they get better. They’re making adjustments, and that’s what it’s really all about.”

And it’s not as if one Bruin is more clutch than another. In each of UCLA’s three walk-off victories this season, a different player has recorded the game-winning hit. Two different players have also recorded game-tying hits in the sixth inning or later this season. Other players have been clutch in getting on base during the late innings as well.

“They both clutched up before me,” said sophomore third baseman Mysha Sataraka, who delivered the game-winning double on Saturday against then-No. 16 Missouri after freshman shortstop Delaney Spaulding and junior first baseman Stephany LaRosa both reached base in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The bevy of timely at-bats and come-from-behind victories has provided a confidence boost for the team as a whole.

“We have huge confidence just going in,” said junior pitcher Ally Carda. “We know if it’s not me, then it’s going to be the next person. … We know if someone doesn’t get it done that the next person will.”