There’s a bit of a predicament when it comes to pitching depth in UCLA softball, and that’s largely thanks to Taylor Tinsley. Honestly, it’s a little concerning.
As the Bruins’ ace, she started every postseason game and pitched over half of the team’s total innings this season.
So, it wasn’t surprising when she took to the mound again Saturday afternoon, just under a day after her last outing at home.
Tinsley made a strong comeback following a rough game, contributing significantly to the Bruins’ 7-2 victory over South Carolina during the NCAA regional tournament at Easton Stadium.
After experiencing her career’s worst moment with nine runs allowed in a single inning the night before, she pitched a complete game against the Gamecocks. The right-handed pitcher permitted just seven hits and two runs (both solo shots), along with six strikeouts and only one walk.
“Having a short-term memory is crucial in the postseason,” said UCLA coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. “I couldn’t be prouder of Taylor for coming out and making plays today.”
Tinsley (29-6) mentioned that she focused on positive affirmations to move past Friday’s performance against California Baptist.
“I just kept saying words of affirmation,” Tinsley shared. “I had a game plan: to play for my team and myself today.”
Tinsley also received some help from her teammates, including home runs from Megan Grant, Alina Garcia, and Bri Alejandre, with Grant hitting her 39th of the season—a two-run hit in the second inning that extended her NCAA single-season record, offering the Bruins (49-8) a 6-1 lead.
The reason for Tinsley’s heavy workload can be traced back to the departures of fellow pitchers Caitlin Terry and Addisen Fisher, who moved on after last season. Remarkably, Terry has emerged as one of the top left-handed pitchers nationally for Texas Tech.
Inouye-Perez noted that Tinsley’s ability to pitch so many innings comes from her exceptional fitness level and a skillful, finesse-based approach rather than sheer power.
“Do we want her pitching every game?” Inouye-Perez asked. “Certainly not. But have other Bruins done that before? Absolutely. This sport is different from baseball. Mentally and physically, she’s prepared, but we’ll do whatever it takes to win, one game at a time.”
Tinsley expressed her willingness to accept the challenge whenever needed.
“Whenever I have the chance to get the ball, I’m really excited because…this team is all about having fun, and I’m just enjoying it,” Tinsley remarked.
What It Means
The Bruins are one win away from advancing to next weekend’s Super Regional.
Turning Point
In the fourth inning, when South Carolina threatened with runners on first and second and only one out, the Bruins managed to escape with an inning-ending double play.
UCLA center fielder Jolina Lamar caught a fly ball with a runner on third, then threw towards home. Bruins first baseman Jordan Woolley collected the throw and sent the ball to third base, doubling the runner who was too far off.
Did You See That?
Kiki Rice, a recent star for UCLA women’s basketball who now plays for the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo, showed her support at the game, cheering for former teammate Grant and the rest of the Bruins.
MVP: Taylor Tinsley
Tinsley secured her 21st complete game win of the season, keeping the Gamecocks scoreless over the final four innings.
To the Next
The Bruins are set to play Sunday at 4:30 p.m. They need just one more win to move on to the super regional. If they lose the first game, a decisive winner-take-all match will follow later that day.
