In a thrilling encounter at the Los Angeles Super Regional, UCLA achieved victory over UTSA with a score of 5-2 on Saturday, marking the first-ever clash between the two teams. Michael Barnett played a pivotal role for the Bruins, allowing only two runs across six innings. Roman Martin’s performance was notable, driving in three crucial runs to help the team clinch this important win.
As the No. 15 national seed with a record of 46-16, UCLA is now on the brink of securing a spot in the College World Series. A win in the next game would see them advance in the best-of-three series. Barnett, who boasts a season record of 12-1, managed to keep his composure on the mound, giving up only six hits and handing out no walks. The relief effort by Jack O’Connor and August Souza was outstanding, each pitching a no-hit inning. Easton Hawk wrapped up the game with a flawless ninth inning, striking out two batters to achieve his seventh save of the season.
A crucial moment unfolded in the fourth inning for the Bruins when Payton Brennan, Cashel Duggar, and Phoenix Call each hit a single off UTSA’s starting pitcher, Zach Royse, whose record stands at 9-5. This loaded the bases and set the stage for Dean West’s sacrifice fly, which allowed Brennan to score, giving UCLA a 3-2 lead. UTSA initially took a 2-0 lead following Mason Lytle’s home run to start the game and Caden Miller’s exhilarating steal of home in the second inning.
The Bruins tied the score in a dramatic fashion when Dean West and Roch Cholowsky delivered consecutive singles. Following a powerful double by Mulivai Velu that drove in West, Cholowsky scored on Roman Martin’s groundout, leveling the match at 2-2. Later, Martin’s performance soared as he delivered a clutch two-out triple in the eighth inning, driving in two more runs to solidify the Bruins’ lead at 5-2. For UCLA, which was the College World Series champion in 2013, this game was particularly significant as it marked the first super regional they have hosted since 2019. The team, under the guidance of coach John Savage, made its seventh overall super regional berth and its sixth under his leadership.
On the other side, UTSA, with its own record of 47-14, is experiencing the super regionals for the first time. The Roadrunners advanced to this round after defeating Kansas State 10-2 during the Austin Regional, marking the program’s inaugural postseason victory. They also claimed their first regional title by toppling the No. 2 national seed, Texas, twice. As both teams vie for postseason success, the series promises to yield intensely competitive baseball.