UCLA baseball increases its record Big Ten winning streak to 20 games

UCLA Baseball’s Winning Streak Continues Despite Tough Match

This week, the UCLA baseball team’s impressive winning streak came to a halt. The Bruins, having previously enjoyed the longest winning streak in the nation, faced some challenges in their latest game against Minnesota.

During the match, the Bruins struggled after missing a chance to load the bases with no outs, quickly finding themselves two runs behind. They were in dire need of an offensive boost.

Muribay Lev stepped up, hitting a two-out, two-strike, two-run double into the right-field area as part of a crucial four-run sixth inning, leading UCLA to a 6-4 win at Jackie Robinson Stadium.

With a record of 35-3, the Bruins extended their streak to 20 wins in conference play, marking the best start in the history of their program.

UCLA coach Jon Savage noted that it’s unusual to enter mid-April without a league loss, given that their previous streak had ended at 27 games just a few days ago.

Key players included Reb and Roman Martin, who both contributed with two hits and two RBIs. Leadoff batters Dean West and Rock Cholowski were on base four times each, showcasing the team’s strong lineup.

Starting the significant sixth inning, Peyton Brennan hit a home run to right field. Following walks and a hit-by-pitch, Reb managed another extra-base hit, flipping the score to 4-3. Martin added a single to increase the lead.

Levoux expressed confidence in the team’s tenacity, remarking, “Comebacks are a big part of our game. I think we are a team that doesn’t give up.”

What It Means

Coach Savage highlighted his team’s resilience against setbacks. After striking out twice, Martin bounced back with two crucial singles and even made a strong field throw to secure an out.

“The day is never over. That’s what our players truly believe,” Savage commented. “They put up two runs to start the sixth inning; I put up four. It seems like we never give up.”

He also mentioned feeling optimistic that the team continues to win, even when not performing at their best. “A good team, even if they don’t play well, is what makes them strong,” Savage noted.

MVP

More than an hour following his pivotal hit, Levoux distributed Rice Krispie treats made by his aunt outside the clubhouse, showing his generous spirit throughout the day.

With two outs and runners on second in the sixth inning, Reb shared his thought process for that critical pitch from Minnesota’s Tyler Hemesh, saying, “I was sitting on the cutter because I knew the ball was coming again, so this time I was just trying to get it up and make contact.”