Three upcoming series could be the charm for baseball

Call it poetic justice.

The UCLA baseball team hovered around mediocrity in the last few
years of former coach Gary Adams’ tenure and set a new
standard for losing in John Savage’s debut season at the helm
of the program. The 2006 season has been a rebirth of sorts, as the
Bruins (25-20, 8-7 Pac-10) have the chance to make the NCAA
Tournament just one year removed from a 19-41 nightmare.

Starting tonight, the Bruins have a three-week stretch that will
decide whether this season was the complete turnaround so few could
have predicted. Tied for third in a logjammed Pac-10, the Bruins
could still win the conference, or finish as low as sixth. They are
in control of their own postseason fate, playing USC, Stanford and
No. 5 Oregon State in three weekend series to close out the regular
season.

The fact that it all starts with USC tonight at 6 p.m., well,
that is just fitting for a rebuilding program. UCLA is only 108-248
all-time against its crosstown rival. A year ago, the Trojans
(24-23, 10-8) swept the Bruins, out-scoring them 26-1 in three
games. Claiming a series victory against the Trojans, one of the
giants of the conference, could signify a shift of power in the
Pac-10.

“There’s no question that our season is coming down
to these last three series,” Savage said. “It’s
not about making statements. It’s about winning ““
especially at home. We are really confident right now, so I feel we
can play with anyone.

“I know what this team is capable of, and we have to play
well, but not perfect.”

In fact, the pitching matchups would suggest that the Bruins
have the advantage. Junior Hector Ambriz and USC’s Ian
Kennedy are nearly a statistical wash, but the clear edge lies in
the No. 2 and No. 3 spots in the rotation. Junior Dave Huff is
arguably the best second starter in the country, and junior Tyson
Brummett has been a solid innings eater, if inconsistent.

If scoring is at a premium, the Bruins’ late season surge
could come down to their hitting with runners in scoring position
““ a recent hiccup.

“These games will be a dogfight, so it will be decided by
a couple of plays here or there.”

SHORT HOPS: The final two games of the UCLA-USC
series will be televised live on Fox Sports Net at 4:30 p.m. …
The Bruin Den will be busing students to and from the game on
Saturday as one of their GolDen packages. Buses will begin
shuttling students from De Neve turnaround at 3:30 p.m. and go
until 5 p.m. Return service will start after the game ends.