March 3, 1999
WESTWOOD, CA - The visiting Michigan Wolverines defeated the UCLA Bruins 4-3 in ten innings at Jackie Robinson Stadium on a sacrifice fly in the top of the tenth. Michigan then dodged a UCLA rally after allowing a lead-off single to sophomore 2b Chase Utley. Freshman rhp Bobby Korecky gained his first collegiate victory, while UCLA freshman Kurt Birkins picked up the loss.
The Bruins (11-12) pounded out eleven hits to Michigan's seven, but it wasn't enough to carry starter rhp Dan Keller to victory. The junior, in only his second start in over a year, pitched a brilliant five innings, allowing only one run (earned) off three hits and two walks, and striking out six Wolverines. He left with the score knotted at 1-1, courtesy of a solo shot by sophomore lf Bill Scott that put the Bruins up 1-0 heading into the top of the third. The home run was Scott's team-high sixth of the year and extended his personal-best ten-game hitting streak to eleven. Scott was 2-for-5 on the evening, making him 18-41 (.439), with 5 HR, and 23 RBI during those eleven games, dating back to Feb. 12 vs. McNeese St. The solo home run also extended his RBI streak to eight games, dating back to Feb. 19 vs. Loyola Marymount. Overall, the sophomore is batting .342 (up from .268 eleven games ago) with 6 HR, and a team-high 30 RBI.
The loss halted UCLA's three-game winning streak and spoiled Head Coach Gary Adams' chance for win number 1,000 to come against crosstown rival USC. The Bruins needed to beat the Wolverines and sweep the Trojans in order for that to happen. His record currently stands at 996-724-12 in 30 seasons of collegiate head coaching experience. Adams can, however, reach the mid-millennium mark in career nonconference victories at UCLA, by winning at least one out of three from the Trojans this weekend. (This weekend's series does not count in the Pac-10 standings.) His nonconference record stands at 499-292-7.
The Bruins will scrimmage against Rikkyo University of Japan on March 3 at 6:00pm at Jackie Robinson Stadium. Sophomore lhp Bobby Roe (1-2, 2.63) is scheduled to start against an undetermined Rikkyo starter. It is an exhibition and will not count against UCLA's record. The game will serve as a tune-up for the big (nonconference) series against crosstown rival USC, March 5-7 at Jackie Robinson Stadium. On Friday at 6:00pm, Bruin freshman rhp Josh Karp (2-1, 4.38) will make his Friday night debut against junior lhp Barry Zito (1-2, 3.86). On Saturday at 1:00pm, UCLA sophomore rhp Jon Brandt (4-1, 2.60) is the probable starter against Trojan sophomore rhp Rik Currier (1-2, 6.41). In Sunday's 1:00pm matinee, Trojan senior rhp Justin Lehr (0-1, 5.90) will pitch against a Bruin to be named. Sunday's game can be heard over the internet at www.uclabruins.com or www.broadcast.com.
Continuing it's eight-game season-opening road trip to southern California, Michigan will play USC tomorrow, March 3 at 7:00pm.