One strike away from defeat while facing the nation’s top-ranked college baseball team, Loyola Marymount deployed its only remaining weapon.
Sprinklers.
An accidental spray that resulted from a system malfunction was a novel idea Tuesday night but couldn’t dampen dominant UCLA.
After milling about for 30 seconds white waiting for the sprinklers to stop with two out and two strikes in the bottom of the ninth inning, Bruins reliever Justin Lee struck out the final batter on the next pitch.
That allowed UCLA to hold on for an 8-4 victory over the Lions at Page Stadium on a night that seven Bruins pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts and no walks.
UCLA coach John Savage said he was pleased that his team was able to continue developing players during its final midweek game of the regular season. Catcher Kasen Khansarinia, who did not start any of his team’s games last weekend, drove in two runs and had a solid game defensively. Second baseman Phoenix Call, who played in just one game last weekend, had two hits.
Several relievers who had not been used recently delivered solid outings against the Lions (12-38).
“It’s just about adding pieces to the team,” Savage said, “and making sure you have enough depth and inventory to go down the road.”
The only thing left to add to the arsenal of what might be the nation’s most complete team is an umbrella.
“I guess it’s a time thing,” Savage said of the unexpected shower. “The game was too long so the sprinklers said, ‘Hey, let’s go and get out of here.’ ”
What it means
Having become the first team in the country to win 40 games last week before they swept Michigan State, the Bruins kept their seasonlong momentum intact.
With six games left in the regular season, UCLA (44-4) has a chance to reach the 50-win threshold before the Big Ten Tournament.
Turning point
It felt like the game was over in the top of the first inning.
UCLA sent eight batters to the plate and scored three runs with the benefit of only two hits.
Two LMU pitchers walked two batters and hit a third, compounding their early struggles. It was no way to start an upset bid against a team as mighty as the Bruins.
Did you see that?
UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky made a couple of outstanding defensive plays, charging a slow roller in the first inning and ranging deep into the hole in the fifth.
MVP
UCLA freshman reliever Mack Edwards generated the biggest show of excitement from teammates when he pitched a perfect sixth inning.
After the left-hander struck out the final batter of the inning, his teammates surged out of the dugout to mob him in excitement.
Their enthusiasm was understandable. It was just Edwards’ second appearance of the season, and his first had not gone well — he gave up a run-scoring hit to the only batter he faced.
Edwards’ latest outing lowered his earned-run average from 99.00 to a considerably more agreeable 9.00.
“It was just fun to see a guy stay sharp who hasn’t been used,” Savage said.
Injury updates
Savage said first baseman Mulivai Levu was sick but should return before the team’s next series.
Ace Logan Reddemann, who is battling arm fatigue, remains on track to throw his next pitch in the Big Ten Tournament, Savage said.
“We’re ramping him up and we’re looking forward to him being a contributor and being a big factor to this thing,” Savage said. “I mean, he’s one of the reasons we are in the position we are, so we need him for the postseason run for sure.”
Up next
The Bruins open their final home series of the regular season at 7 p.m. Friday when they host Oregon at Jackie Robinson Stadium.
