The Golden Gophers battled all weekend long.

But when it was all said and done, the Bruins’ result stayed the same.

Undefeated.

No. 1 UCLA baseball (36-3, 21-0 Big Ten) bested Minnesota (22-17, 5-13) 5-2 Sunday evening to close out Jackie Robinson Week at Jackie Robinson Stadium with its seventh consecutive conference sweep.

“Our bullpen was exceptional in all three games, and at the end of the day, that’s really what we needed,” coach John Savage said. “It was really tight games. I thought Minnesota played well. … When that pitching and defense show up every day, you give yourself a chance to win, and that’s what we did in all three games.”

Junior right-hander Landon Stump started for UCLA and went 4.1 innings, allowing two hits and one run. Senior right-hander Jack O’Connor earned the win as the Bruins’ bullpen delivered once again, combining for 4.2 innings while allowing just one earned run.

The Bruins continued to lean on their pitching depth, using another composed relief effort to shut down the Golden Gophers the rest of the way. UCLA’s arms kept the game under control in high-leverage spots and prevented Minnesota from building any late momentum.

This stifling pitching was supported by a strong outfield, especially from junior left fielder Dean West, who tracked down two fly balls and made defensive catches to rob multiple extra-base hits.

“We all know that all nine of us have each other’s backs, so every run you save out there really matters,” West said.

The Woodland Hills, California, local also contributed offensively, going 2-for-4 with a run to cap off a weekend in which he reached base eight times. West’s consistency at the plate paired with his impact in the field underscored his value in multiple phases of the game – highlighting UCLA’s depth up and down the lineup. The team has also built unity and chemistry throughout the last two seasons, illustrating it on the diamond.

West’s ability to embrace his role at the top of the lineup while performing at an elite two-way level exemplifies a roster built on buy-in, meshing together individual skill sets to drive the Bruins’ success.

“I’d say I’m the table setter, just trying to find a way to get on base and set the table for the guys behind me,” West said. “I’ve gotten pretty comfortable in that role. … I was in the leadoff spot last year, so it’s just about continuing that this year.”

As for juniors third baseman Roman Martin and center fielder Will Gasparino, their role of the day was to swing for the fences.

Martin delivered one of the biggest swings of the night, launching a home run that added cushion to the Westwood squad’s early lead. The third baseman capitalized on a pitch over the plate, supplying the timely power the Bruins needed in another tightly contested run game.

Gasparino followed with a home run of his own – his team-leading 15th of the year – to extend the lead. He lingered briefly out of the box after the swing, drawing the attention of Minnesota coach Ty McDevitt, who was later ejected in the eighth inning after continuing to voice his frustrations from the dugout.

“They’re a scrappy team, for sure. … They took good pitches and put together good at-bats all weekend,” Martin said. “At the end of the day, anyone can beat anyone, so it’s about having respect for your opponent.”

Closer Easton Hawk capped off the weekend with his third save, marking the first time all season he recorded a save in each game of a series. The sophomore right-hander closed Sunday with a 1-2-3 ninth inning on just six pitches, continuing to provide a steady presence at the back end of UCLA’s bullpen.

Nevertheless, the home crowd showed out in full force, packing Jackie Robinson Stadium for the finale of the commemorative week.

The venue itself honors Jackie Robinson, who starred at UCLA as a multi-sport athlete in the late 1930s, lettering in baseball, football, basketball and track. Robinson played shortstop for the Bruins and became the school’s first four-sport letter winner, laying the foundation for a career that would break Major League Baseball’s color barrier and redefine the sport at the time.

The Bruins responded with another composed performance, feeding off the dugout energy and delivering in front of a lively home atmosphere.

“When the stadium’s packed, it feels like any other big-time environment,” Martin said. “It gives us momentum and makes the game that much easier.”