Bruins Hold on to Defeat Trojans, 6-5

Baseball

Sophomore lhp Bobby Roe thwarted a Trojan comeback to save a 6-5 victory Saturday afternoon at Jackie Robinson Stadium. With two on in the top of the ninth, the 1998 Freshman All-American struck out 1

March 6, 1999

WESTWOOD, Calif. -- Sophomore lhp Bobby Roe thwarted a Trojan comeback to save a 6-5 victory Saturday afternoon at Jackie Robinson Stadium. With two on in the top of the ninth, the 1998 Freshman All-American struck out 1999 Preseason All-American junior c Eric Munson on three pitches en route to his team-high fourth save of the year.

The Bruin lineup scored all six runs in the first two innings, capped by a solo shot in the second by sophomore 1b Garrett Atkins, his third of the year. The Bruins (12-13) scored five runs off starter rhp Rik Currier in the first inning, knocking the sophomore out of the game after only .2 IP. The early outburst was keyed by a 2 RBI double by sophomore 2b Chase Utley, and RBI singles by seniors c Jason Green, and ss Jack Santora. Utley was 2-for-4 with a run scored and two RBI.

The 6-1 advantage paved the way for 6.1 innings of domination by Bruin starter rhp Jon Brandt (5-1, 2.63), who picked up his team-high fifth win of the year. The sophomore ace was excellent once again as he allowed only four hits and two earned runs while striking out eight against USC's high-powered offense. Thus far in 1999, Brandt has struck out a team-high 63 batters in 51.1 IP, while walking only 23.

Sophomore lf Bill Scott was 1-for-4 on the afternoon, extending his hitting streak to 13 games, but ending his RBI streak at nine games. Scott has been on fire of late, hitting .429 (21-49) with 5 HR and 24 RBI during the last thirteen contests. Garrett Atkins, who leads the team in batting average (.383), was 2-for-2 with a homerun, two runs scored, two walks, and an RBI, recording his third perfect day at the plate this season.

The Bruins and Trojans (7-12) will the play the rubber match tomorrow at 1:00pm at Jackie Robinson Stadium. USC won the first meeting on March 5, 6-3. Scheduled to pitch for UCLA is junior rhp Dan Keller (1-0, 4.80). In his last start (March 2-- no-decision), Keller shut down the visiting Michigan Wolverines on three hits and one run (earned) over five innings of work. USC plans to counter with senior rhp Justin Lehr (0-1, 5.70). Sunday's contest can be heard over the internet at one of the two following websites: www.uclabruins.com or www.broadcast.com. Graduate Assistant Baseball SID Jeff Blank will have the call from Jackie Robinson Stadium.