UCLA baseball sweeps UC Riverside series with walk-off victory

The Bruins continued their Sunday tradition of walk-off victories.

UCLA baseball (5-3) defeated UC Riverside (0-7) on Sunday afternoon 2-1 at Jackie Robinson Stadium, with redshirt sophomore catcher Tommy Beres driving in the winning run in the final frame. The win marked the first series sweep of the season and the second straight Sunday with a walk-off win for the blue and gold.

The home offense was tasked with winning it late after the Highlanders tied the game in the top of the ninth. Freshman center fielder Malakhi Knight led off the frame with a single to left field before stealing second to get into scoring position. After sophomore right fielder JonJon Vaughns walked, a balk put the two Bruins on second and third with no outs.

Beres ended the game with a sacrifice bunt down the first-base line, bringing Knight home and securing a UCLA victory.

“I had confidence in Tommy that allowed me to get a good secondary lead,” Knight said. “We all have confidence in Tommy to get that bunt down, so he did a really good job.”

UCLA recorded five hits in the contest – tied for its second-lowest total of the season – while also generating its lowest run total of the year. The Bruins did not lack baserunners, however, as they walked six times and saw a runner reach on a hit by pitch.

UCLA entered its series finale against Riverside ranked second in the Pac-12 in walks and third in the conference in on-base percentage. Coach John Savage said he was pleased with his team’s approach at the plate but knew it would take more than that to win games down the line.

“We pride ourselves in plate discipline,” Savage said. “Obviously, you’re going to have to drive the ball in this conference, … so we don’t plan on winning this through walks and singles. We have to drive the ball.”

The Bruins’ first run of the day came in the sixth inning when junior third baseman Michael Curialle scored on a fielding error after junior designated hitter Josh Hahn singled to right. A misplay by the Highlanders’ right fielder allowed Curialle to reach home rather than being held at third.

The pitching staff was able to quiet the Riverside offense behind six shutout innings from redshirt sophomore right-hander Kelly Austin. Austin – who started in the 13-inning walk-off victory against Cal State Northridge on Feb. 20 – replicated his performance in the game by again pitching six shutout frames.

Savage said Austin’s consistency was exactly what the team needed Sunday.

“You always have comfort knowing what you’re going to get out of a guy,” Savage said. “(Austin’s) that example of consistency. He’s an example of repeatability.”

Austin recorded four strikeouts, walked one batter and gave up two hits. He made it through six innings of work on 74 pitches, compared to 101 in his first start of the season.

Austin said Riverside’s aggressiveness at the plate contributed to his efficiency but added that it was also influenced by him feeling calmer on the mound.

“(That was my) first DI college appearance last week, so I was a little revved up,” Austin said. “Today, I was a lot more locked in.”

After Austin’s appearance, junior left-hander Jake Saum, freshman right-hander Luke Jewett and freshman right-hander Alonzo Tredwell covered the last three innings of the game. Tredwell was responsible for the tying run, giving up a double to Riverside center fielder Jacob Shanks, who ultimately reached third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly.

The Bruins’ pitching was also supported by the defense, highlighted by a diving catch from graduate student left fielder Kenny Oyama on the warning track in the fourth inning.

“The defense behind me these last few games has been awesome, and behind everybody has been ridiculous,” Austin said. “I can’t be happier as a pitcher with the defense I’ve got behind me.”

UCLA will return to Jackie Robinson Stadium on Tuesday at 7 p.m. against No. 12 Long Beach State.