UCLA and USC make their way into the Big Ten baseball tournament

UCLA Baseball Aims for Big Ten Tournament Title

The UCLA baseball team is looking to build on its impressive regular season performance. They have set a program record with a 48-6 record and are aiming for the Big Ten Tournament title, having likely already secured the top seed for the NCAA Tournament.

“This is a game of momentum and improvement,” UCLA coach Jon Savage shared with the California Post. “We won’t come to a halt for heavy load management. I don’t really buy into that. Our goal is to win this tournament and to keep our winning ways alive.”

The Bruins have excelled in Big Ten play, winning their first 25 conference games and ending with a 28-2 record—marking their best conference performance to date. They will kick off the Big Ten tournament against an opponent yet to be determined at 11 a.m. PT on Friday at Charles Schwab Field Omaha, which will also host the College World Series next month.

If they progress further, UCLA might face fourth-seeded USC (42-14) in the semifinals, contingent upon the Trojans winning their quarterfinal match, scheduled for Friday at 7 a.m. PT.

Coach Savage expressed enthusiasm about both Los Angeles teams performing well, noting the Trojans’ best season in two decades, thanks to standout pitchers Mason Edwards and Grant Goebel.

“USC is a remarkably talented team, as demonstrated throughout the season,” Savage commented. “It’s great to see both teams thriving, especially considering the challenges they’ve faced.”

Given their strong season, it wouldn’t be surprising if the All-Big Ten selections featured multiple players from both UCLA and USC.

UCLA shortstop Rock Cholowski earned the Player of the Year title, while Savage was named Coach of the Year and Edwards received the Pitcher of the Year honor. The All-Big Ten first team showcased nine players from the two universities.

The Bruins could become even stronger this weekend. Ace pitcher Logan Redman, who has been out since April 17 due to arm fatigue, may contribute from the bullpen as he works his way back into the rotation.

“I feel good and in good health,” Savage shared about Redman. “Recovery just takes time, and that’s what we’re focused on now.”

With Redman unavailable, UCLA has relied on a rotation of Wylan Moss, Michael Burnett, and Angel Cervantes.

As the regular season wrapped up, the Bruins fought hard for victories against Oregon and Washington, which included them suffering their first two conference losses.

Does Savage think a timely loss might reignite his team’s drive?

“I do believe that,” he said. “Adversity builds character ahead of the postseason and strengthens the team’s mindset. You never want to lose, but in baseball, any defeat or victory—especially against formidable opponents—can provide valuable lessons.”