In Los Angeles, the UCLA baseball team triumphed over UC Irvine with an 8-5 victory on Sunday night, securing their place in the super regionals for the first time since 2019. The crucial game saw Mulivai Levu hit a pivotal three-run home run, while Dean West and Payton Brennan contributed two RBIs each, helping UCLA (45-16) build a commanding lead and ultimately winning the Los Angeles Regional.
Earlier in the day, UC Irvine (43-17) managed a win against Arizona State with an 11-6 scoreline, in a must-win game that allowed them to have back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Tournament, a feat last achieved with six consecutive qualifications from 2006 to 2011.
The Bruins took an early advantage as Roman Martin’s RBI single off Finnegan Wall (0-1) put them ahead 1-0 in the first inning. This lead was extended in the second inning when Cashel Dugger hit a single that brought in Brennan, who had earlier doubled. Dugger then scored thanks to a sacrifice fly from Roch Cholowsky, increasing the score to 3-0.
In the fourth inning, UCLA capitalized on a strong start with Dugger and Phoenix Call drawing consecutive walks. West then delivered a bunt single, loading the bases. Dugger scored on another sacrifice fly by Cholowsky, and Levu’s ensuing home run, paired with Brennan’s sacrifice fly, gave UCLA an 8-0 cushion.
UC Irvine fought back with James Castagnola and Alonso Reyes each earning an RBI in the fourth inning. Anthony Martinez added pressure on UCLA by hitting a two-run double in the fifth, and Reyes homered at the start of the sixth to finish their scoring efforts.
UCLA’s Chris Grothues (3-1) relieved starting pitcher Wylan Moss during the fourth inning with one out and the bases loaded. Grothues skillfully managed to induce a groundout by Reyes, allowing Martinez to score, and struck out Blake Penso, minimizing the damage. Easton Hawk successfully closed the game by pitching a perfect ninth inning, securing his sixth save of the season.