Errors sink Bruin squad in match against UCSB

Thursday, February 18, 1999

Errors sink Bruin squad in match against UCSB

BASEBALL: UCLA hopes to overcome losing streak

in weekend tournament

By Rocky Salmon

Daily Bruin Senior Staff

To err is human, but in the UCLA baseball team’s case, the cost
was three unearned runs. Three runs which were the difference in
the 12-9 UCSB victory over UCLA (6-8) Tuesday.

Paul Diaz took the mound to face the Gauchos (5-5) and came away
feeling the sting of the overlooked UCSB team.

Diaz was ransacked for three runs in the top of the second
inning, aided by UCLA’s first error.

In the Bruins’ bottom half, the offense caught fire for four
runs.

To start off the game, UCLA regular starters Jason Green and
Jack Santora had the day off. Green’s replacement, Adam Berry (one
hit and two runs), who is usually the DH, walked against Gaucho
pitcher Matt Dailey. Then designated hitter Forrest Johnson
continued his torrid hitting day, going three for four with three
runs scored, by lasering a single to center.

After third baseman Randall Shelley’s walk, Aldo Pinto – who was
three for five on the day – slammed a double down the line. Two
runners scored, leaving the Bruins with runners on second and third
with no outs. Leadoff hitter Matt Pearl then hit a single, driving
in Shelley.

Chase Utley popped out for a sacrifice fly and Pinto came in to
score, tying the game up at five apiece.

UCLA did not get any closer as the Gaucho catcher, Bill
Duplissea, took over. Through the whole game Duplissea smashed
three hits, knocking in four runs. Three of his RBIs would come in
the fifth inning.

Entering the fifth inning trailing by one run, Duplissea blasted
a three run shot off of Brian Strelitz that put a hole in the moon.
The Gauchos tacked on anther run in the inning and UCLA could not
make the huge comeback for victory.

Overall, the Bruin pitchers gave up nine earned runs, two hit
batters, and only eight hits. But with the help of four costly
errors, which led to three unearned runs, the pitchers were out of
luck.

Entering this weekend to play in the SDSU tournament, the Bruins
are reeling, losing four out of the last five. They have only one
more chance to change their luck.

On Wednesday, Jon Brandt will take on Troy Kinto to finish up
the series and make up a rained out game.

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