UCLA baseball fails to match previous offensive success, gives up game to CSUN

Failing to capitalize on base runners, the Bruins stranded their final chances at a come-from-behind win in their second game of the season.

Despite a ninth-inning rally, UCLA baseball (1-1) was unable to overcome a six-run deficit, falling 6-4 to Cal State Northridge (1-1) on Saturday at Jackie Robinson Stadium. The Bruins’ four-run ninth inning was started by freshman catcher Jack Holman when he recorded his first career hit, a three-RBI double to clear the bases.

Coming in as a pinch hitter, Holman said he attributed his success at the plate to pregame scouting reports and mindfulness during the contest.

“When (CSUN right-hander Kyle Hoskins) was facing the left-handed hitters, he was working a lot on the outside corner and outside half,” Holman said. “I was going up there thinking he’s going to throw me something away at some point, and I’m going to capitalize on it.”

Holman was the only UCLA hitter to collect an RBI on the afternoon, with the fourth run of the ninth brought in by graduate student left fielder Kenny Oyama on a wild pitch.

The Bruins were 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position heading into the final inning, finishing the game 3-for-9 in those scenarios. The home team also left 10 runners on base, including the tying run on second at the conclusion of the game.

Coach John Savage said his team’s offensive performance Saturday starkly contrasted its 16-hit opening-day outburst the previous night.

“It was night and day,” Savage said. “We didn’t have the right approach today. … Clearly, we didn’t have enough quality at-bats. The ninth inning was really exceptional, but we were down 6-0. It’s hard to come back.”

The Matadors, on the other hand, left five men on and were 5-for-12 with runners on base. That, combined with four bunts and a pair of solo home runs, allowed them to put up six runs and triple their opening day scoring total.

CSUN scored in every inning between the fourth and eighth frames, tallying runs off every UCLA pitcher that made an appearance except senior left-hander Daniel Colwell.

UCLA starter and sophomore right-hander Max Rajcic picked up the loss after giving up two earned runs over five innings of work. He was perfect through three innings, but a pair of leadoff singles followed by a sacrifice bunt and sacrifice fly pushed the first run of the game home.

Despite the loss, Savage said he was encouraged by his sophomore starter’s performance.

“I liked Max today,” Savage said. “I liked his curveball. I liked his changeup. … I know he’s not happy with what happened, but he competed at a level that we like our guys to compete at.”

Saturday was Rajcic’s first career start after coming out of the bullpen in 2021, a season in which he recorded seven saves and a 1.65 ERA in 32.2 innings.

Colwell, who pitched the last two frames for the Bruins, said he had hope for the reliever-turned-starter’s future.

“(Rajcic) came out with a lot of fire today, a lot of intensity,” Colwell said. “He was the closer last year, so he’s got that fire within him. … Being able to compete over multiple innings and show that he has what it takes, I really liked it.”

Colwell entered the game in the eighth inning after redshirt freshman right-hander Chris Aldrich gave up a leadoff home run. Colwell said trusting his fastball and aggression with his pitches allowed him to be successful. The senior struck out two batters over two innings of work.

Following the loss, the southpaw added supporting fellow pitchers will be important.

“It’s all about picking each other up,” Colwell said. “We had a lot of guys come in in the middle innings today. … We’re making sure that we’re looking after the guy in front of us and the guy behind us is looking after us.”

The series will be determined Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Stadium.