News Summary
UCLA baseball achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a spot in the College World Series after a 10-year absence, defeating UTSA 7-0 in Game 2 of the Super Regional. With a brilliant effort from starting pitcher Landon Stump and a solid bullpen, the Bruins displayed dominant pitching, extending their series record to 16 consecutive scoreless innings. Notable performances from players like Payton Brennan highlight the team’s outstanding offensive contributions, setting the stage for an exciting opportunity in the upcoming College World Series.
Los Angeles – UCLA baseball has returned to the College World Series after a decade-long absence, securing their spot with a commanding 7-0 victory over UTSA in Game 2 of the Los Angeles Super Regional on Sunday. This triumph marks the Bruins’ first appearance in the College World Series since 2013 and enhances their record to 5-0 in the NCAA Tournament this season.
Starting pitcher Landon Stump played a pivotal role in the shutout, delivering four innings without allowing a run and striking out five batters. Following Stump, the bullpen, featuring Chris Grothues, Cal Randall, August Souza, and Easton Hawk, collectively maintained the momentum, preventing UTSA from scoring for the remaining five innings. This stellar effort marked UCLA’s complete dominance on the mound, as the team ended the series against UTSA with a record of 16 consecutive scoreless innings.
In the previous day’s matchup, UCLA had already set the tone for the Super Regional by winning Game 1 by a score of 5-2. The Bruins now prepare to face the winner of the Durham Super Regional, where the teams of Duke and Murray State were in a tied series at 1-1 at the time of their game.
The scoring in the decisive Game 2 began with a single RBI from Toussaint Bythewood in the fourth inning, followed by another from Roch Cholowsky in the fifth. The Bruins continued to build their lead, adding five more runs in the final two innings, culminating in a three-run performance in the ninth that secured their victory.
Player Payton Brennan shone particularly brightly during the game, achieving three hits, two RBIs, and scoring two runs. His strong output was part of an impressive overall display from UCLA’s batting lineup, with eight of the nine starters contributing at least one hit during the clinching game.
Despite the clear outcome, the game had its moments of controversy, including a ruling where UTSA’s Andrew Stucky was called out after leaning into a pitch. Additionally, a delay occurred in the eighth inning when home plate umpire Eric Goshay was struck by a foul ball, requiring medical attention but not altering the course of the game.
This victory is notable for several reasons: it marks UCLA’s first postseason shutout since they achieved an 8-0 win over Mississippi State in the deciding game of the College World Series in 2013. Furthermore, the 7-0 score matches the Bruins’ largest victory margin in a Super Regional game, equalling their 8-1 win against Cal State Fullerton in 2010.
In total, UCLA has made six appearances in the College World Series, with this latest achievement celebrating a long-awaited return after twelve years. The Bruins’ impressive postseason run, characterized by dominant pitching performances, has generated excitement among fans and the broader community.
Head coach John Savage acknowledged the strength and unity of the team, highlighting their exceptional pitching throughout the tournament. As they look forward to the College World Series, the Bruins’ players and coaches remain focused on their goal, hoping to continue this impressive trajectory in the tournament.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: UCLA vs UTSA NCAA Tournament Live Updates
- Wikipedia: College World Series
- UCLA Bruins: UCLA Blanks UTSA, Advances to College World Series
- Google Search: UCLA Baseball College World Series
- LA Times: UCLA Baseball Game 2 vs Texas San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College World Series Overview
- USA Today: UTSA vs UCLA NCAA Tournament Live Updates
- Google News: UCLA Baseball 2025
