{"id":338928,"date":"2026-05-30T10:02:05","date_gmt":"2026-05-30T10:02:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/338928\/"},"modified":"2026-05-30T10:02:05","modified_gmt":"2026-05-30T10:02:05","slug":"no-1-ucla-baseball-stunned-by-saint-marys-to-open-ncaa-los-angeles-regional-daily-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/338928\/","title":{"rendered":"No. 1 UCLA baseball stunned by Saint Mary\u2019s to open NCAA Los Angeles Regional \u2013 Daily News"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"UCLA<\/p>\n

UCLA head coach John Savage, center, looks on during the eighth inning of their NCAA regional opener against Saint Mary\u2019s on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Jackie Robinson Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Starting<\/p>\n

Starting pitcher Wylan Moss #18 of the UCLA Bruins throws to the plate against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the first inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Second<\/p>\n

Second baseman Phoenix Call #4 of the UCLA Bruins dives for a base hit by outfielder Diego Castellanos (not pictured) of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the first inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Starting<\/p>\n

Starting pitcher John Damozonio #25 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels throws to the plate against the UCLA Bruins in the first inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Roch<\/p>\n

Roch Cholowsky #1 of the UCLA Bruins strikes out against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the first inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Third<\/p>\n

Third baseman Ian Josephson #18 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels makes a leaping catch on a drive by Roman Martin (not pictured) of the UCLA Bruins in the first inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Center<\/p>\n

Center fielder Payton Brennan #11 of the UCLA Bruins dives for a double by Jacob Johnson (not pictured) of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the second inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Center<\/p>\n

Center fielder Payton Brennan #11 of the UCLA Bruins dives for a double by Jacob Johnson (not pictured) of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the second inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Second<\/p>\n

Second baseman Phoenix Call #4 of the UCLA Bruins throws out an Armstrong (not pictured) of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels at first base in the fourth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Right<\/p>\n

Right fielder Jarrod Hocking #15 of the UCLA Bruins watches as a solo home run by Jacob Johnson (not pictured) of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels goes over the fence in the fourth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Starting<\/p>\n

Starting pitcher Wylan Moss #18 of the UCLA Bruins looks toward home plate as Jacob Johnson #46 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels rounds second base after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Jacob<\/p>\n

Jacob Johnson #46 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels reacts after a solo home run against the UCLA Bruins in the fourth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Roman<\/p>\n

Roman Martin #7 of the UCLA Bruins watches his solo home run against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the fourth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Roman<\/p>\n

Roman Martin #7 of the UCLA Bruins reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the fourth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Roman<\/p>\n

Roman Martin #7 of the UCLA Bruins reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the fourth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Thrid<\/p>\n

Thrid baseman Ian Josephson #18 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels throws wide as Payton Brennan (not pictured) of the UCLA Bruins is safe at first base in the fourth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"UCLA<\/p>\n

UCLA Bruins bench reacts after teammate Trey Gudoy (not pictured) of the UCLA Bruins doubles against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the fifth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Trey<\/p>\n

Trey Gudoy #38 of the UCLA Bruins doubles against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the fifth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Thrid<\/p>\n

Thrid baseman Ian Josephson #18 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels throws wide as Payton Brennan (not pictured) of the UCLA Bruins is safe at first base in the fourth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"UCLA<\/p>\n

UCLA Bruin fans in the fifth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game between the UCLA Bruins and the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Trey<\/p>\n

Trey Gudoy #38 of the UCLA Bruins scores on a sac fly ball by teqmmate Roch Cholowsky (not pictured) of the UCLA Bruins against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the fifth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Trey<\/p>\n

Trey Gudoy #38 of the UCLA Bruins scores on a sac fly ball by teqmmate Roch Cholowsky (not pictured) of the UCLA Bruins against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the fifth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Trey<\/p>\n

Trey Gudoy #38 of the UCLA Bruins high fives teammate Mulivai Levu #39 after on a sac fly ball by teammate Roch Cholowsky (not pictured) of the UCLA Bruins against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the fifth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Tanner<\/p>\n

Tanner Griffith #22 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels scores on a double by teammate Makoa Sniffen (not pictured) of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels against the UCLA Bruins in the sixth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Saint<\/p>\n

Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels bench reacts as teammate Tanner Griffith (not pictured) of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels scores on a double by teammate Makoa Sniffen (not pictured) of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels against the UCLA Bruins in the sixth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Starting<\/p>\n

Starting pitcher Wylan Moss #18 of the UCLA Bruins leaves the game against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the sixth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Starting<\/p>\n

Starting pitcher Wylan Moss #18 of the UCLA Bruins leaves the game against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the sixth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Starting<\/p>\n

Starting pitcher Wylan Moss #18 of the UCLA Bruins leaves the game against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the sixth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Relief<\/p>\n

Relief pitcher Landon Stump #14 of the UCLA Bruins throws to the plate against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the sixth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Relief<\/p>\n

Relief pitcher Landon Stump #14 of the UCLA Bruins throws to the plate against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the sixth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Third<\/p>\n

Third basemn Ian Josephson #18 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels tags out Trey Gudoy #38 of the UCLA Bruins in a run down between second and third base in the seventh inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"First<\/p>\n

First baseman Makoa Sniffen #23 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels catches a popup byRoch Cholowsky (not pictured) of the UCLA Bruins in the seventh inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Jacob<\/p>\n

Jacob Johnson #46 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels hits a solo home run against the UCLA Bruins in the ninth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"UCLA<\/p>\n

UCLA right fielder Jarrod Hocking can\u2019t reach a ball that was hit for a solo home run by Saint Mary\u2019s Jacob Johnson in the top of the ninth inning of their NCAA Los Angeles Regional opener on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Jackie Robinson Stadium. The homer proved to be the game-winning run in the Gaels\u2019 3-2 win. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"UCLA<\/p>\n

UCLA right fielder Jarrod Hocking can\u2019t reach a ball that was hit for a solo home run by Saint Mary\u2019s Jacob Johnson in the top of the ninth inning of their NCAA Los Angeles Regional opener on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Jackie Robinson Stadium. The homer proved to be the game-winning run in the Gaels\u2019 3-2 win. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Jacob<\/p>\n

Jacob Johnson #46 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels high fives tesammate Ian Josephson #18 after hitting a solo home run against the UCLA Bruins in the ninth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Jacob<\/p>\n

Jacob Johnson #46 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels reacts after hitting a solo home run against the UCLA Bruins in the ninth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Jacob<\/p>\n

Jacob Johnson #46 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels reacts after hitting a solo home run against the UCLA Bruins in the ninth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Head<\/p>\n

Head coach John Savage speaks with relief pitcher Easton Hawk #27 of the UCLA Bruins on the mound in the ninth inning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Dean<\/p>\n

Dean West #36 of the UCLA Bruins reacts after striking out looking against the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels in the ninth nning of game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Relief<\/p>\n

Relief pitcher Cam Staton #13 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels reacts after the last out in the ninth inning as the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels defeated the UCLA Bruins 3-2 to win game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Saint<\/p>\n

Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels celebrates after defeating the UCLA Bruins 3-2 to win game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Head<\/p>\n

Head coach John Savage of the UCLA Bruins shakes hands with head coach Eric Valenzuela of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels as the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels defeated the UCLA Bruins 3-2 to win game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Relief<\/p>\n

Relief pitcher Cam Staton #13 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels reacts after the last out in the ninth inning as the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels defeated the UCLA Bruins 3-2 to win game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Pitcher<\/p>\n

Pitcher Chase Wagner #41 of the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels reacts after the last out in the ninth inning as the Saint Mary\u2019s (CA) Gaels defeated the UCLA Bruins 3-2 to win game one of a NCAA Los Angeles Regional baseball game at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/ SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 45<\/p>\n

UCLA head coach John Savage, center, looks on during the eighth inning of their NCAA regional opener against Saint Mary\u2019s on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Jackie Robinson Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

LOS ANGELES \u2014 Payton Brennan predicted this challenge. The senior outfielder theorized that the UCLA baseball team might struggle as it entered the NCAA Los Angeles Regional with a contrasting status to last season.<\/p>\n

As the hunted, not the hunter.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a different spot,\u201d Brennan said at Thursday\u2019s press conference. \u201cBased on how we\u2019re looked at, [the regional] could be harder this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rather than sneaking up on opponents, UCLA, as the wire-to-wire top-ranked team and No. 1 overall seed team in the NCAA Tournament, carries a target on its back. The Bruins have faced foes\u2019 best efforts all season.<\/p>\n

That was no different Friday afternoon at Jackie Robinson Stadium, as Saint Mary\u2019s took it to UCLA, handing the Bruins a 3-2 defeat for their first loss since April 14.<\/p>\n

While catcher Cashel Dugger, speaking after Friday\u2019s game, said that the Bruins didn\u2019t approach the proverbial target on their back, \u201cany different than we did all season,\u201d they fell flat. UCLA became the first No. 1 overall seed to lose its first game in the NCAA Tournament.<\/p>\n

The result means UCLA (51-7), which produced three walk-off wins in three games to win last week\u2019s Big Ten Tournament,<\/a> will play an elimination game against Virginia Tech on Saturday at 1 p.m. The Bruins now need to win four games over the next three days to win the regional and advance to a best-of-three super regional series.<\/p>\n

Saint Mary\u2019s designated hitter Jacob Johnson sealed that fate for UCLA. He hit two opposite-field solo home runs. The second put the Gaels (35-25) ahead for good in the top of the ninth inning.<\/p>\n

UCLA closer Easton Hawk earned the loss after conceding Johnson\u2019s second home run. Gaels relief pitcher Cam Staton earned the win after two scoreless innings, but starter John Damozonio put them in position to earn the victory.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he did a good job,\u201d UCLA head coach John Savage said of Damozonio, who struck out six batters and allowed two earned runs over seven innings. \u201cWe just didn\u2019t do enough offensively to put ourselves in position to create runs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Staton and Damozonio each forced UCLA star shortstop Roch Cholowsky into inning-ending flyouts when he represented the go-ahead run at the plate.<\/p>\n

Damozonio kept UCLA scoreless for three innings, as did UCLA starter Wylan Moss with the Gaels. But in the fourth inning, Saint Mary\u2019s and UCLA traded solo home runs to start the scoring. Roman Martin answered Johnson with a deep shot to straightaway center field, tying the score at 1-1.<\/p>\n

The Bruins took their first lead in the bottom of the fifth inning when Cholowsky\u2019s sacrifice fly scored Trey Gudoy.<\/p>\n

Moss pitched five strong innings, allowing three hits and two earned runs, but the final batter he faced came around to score and tie the game at two.<\/p>\n

In the top of the sixth inning, Moss issued a walk to leadoff hitter Tanner Griffith. Savage turned to Landon Stump out of the bullpen, who conceded an RBI double to Makoa Sniffen.<\/p>\n

After allowing a run in the fourth and fifth innings, Damozonio closed his outing on a strong note. He swiftly worked through the bottom of the Bruins\u2019 order in the sixth inning, and Gaels head coach Eric Valenzuela kept him in the game.<\/p>\n

Damozonio hit Gudoy to start the seventh, but as his pitch count exceeded 100, he remained composed. Dean West replaced Gudoy on second after a fielder\u2019s choice, leading to a showdown between Damozonio and Cholowsky.<\/p>\n

After a long at-bat, Cholowsky weakly popped out to first base.<\/p>\n

\u201cI actually felt better in the last couple innings than I did in the middle innings,\u201d Damonzonio said, explaining that a mid-outing snack increased his energy after forgetting to eat lunch before the game. \u201cI had a lot of things working today.\u201d<\/p>\n

UCLA\u2019s bullpen pitched cleanly across the middle innings. Stump, Cal Randall and Zach Strickland combined to toss three scoreless frames. Hawk took the ninth with the score tied. Johnson, the second batter of the frame, hit a long fly ball to right field that kept carrying and scratched the wall as Jarrod Hocking attempted to rob it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a routine fly ball,\u201d Savage said. \u201cIt was a late May, Jackie fly ball that leaves the ballpark.\u201d<\/p>\n

Staton relieved Damozonio in the bottom of the eighth inning, finding himself in a similar situation in both frames he tossed: two outs and the go-ahead run on base.<\/p>\n

In the eighth, Hocking struck out on a pitch below the belt to end the inning. In the ninth inning, Cholowsky stared down Staton in a moment worth the price of admission. He got hold of one, but flied out to center field, concluding an 0-for-4 afternoon and ending the game.<\/p>\n

With the game on the line, and Cholowsky at the plate, there was reason to believe the Bruins would earn their fourth straight walk-off win. But with starter Logan Reddeman still out, outfielder Will Gasparino suspended, infielder Aiden Aguayo rolling his ankle during pregame warmups and Brennan injuring his oblique in the fourth inning, it was one obstacle too many for UCLA to overcome Friday.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have kind of been playing on a little bit of a tightrope,\u201d Savage said. \u201cThe same thing that makes you laugh, makes you cry. \u2026 Right now we\u2019re a little uncomfortable, and that\u2019s OK. You know, that\u2019s a good test for our guys.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"UCLA head coach John Savage, center, looks on during the eighth inning of their NCAA regional opener against…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":338929,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[10990,10932,1327,48,52,51,47,50,49,127,10992],"class_list":["post-338928","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-los-angeles","tag-big-ten-conference","tag-college-baseball","tag-college-sports","tag-la","tag-la-headlines","tag-la-news","tag-los-angeles","tag-los-angeles-headlines","tag-los-angeles-news","tag-sports","tag-ucla-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/338928","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=338928"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/338928\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/338929"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=338928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=338928"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=338928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}