University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA
Hawaii
Baseball is Swept by Hawaii
June 21, 1999 | Baseball
January 25, 1999
HONOLULU- For the second year in a row, UCLA was swept in a three-game series by the Hawaii Rainbows in Honolulu. The Rainbows completed the sweep by defeating UCLA 5-3 on Sunday evening. No. 16 UCLA (0-3) scored fewer runs in this series than in any other three-game series under head coach Gary Adams. It was the first time since 1986 that UCLA was held to just three runs over any three game stretch. It is the first time in the Adams' era that UCLA has lost its first three games of the season.
In addition to losing the game, the Bruins have lost the services of sophomore right fielder Forrest Johnson and sophomore center fielder Nick Lyon for at least two games. The two collided into each other while attempting to catch a fly ball, and both had to leave the game. They were treated for bruises and in good spirits.
It was a game of blown opportunities for UCLA. Every time the Bruins threatened, the Rainbows would come up with a sensational defensive play. In the second inning, freshman third baseman Randall Shelley was robbed of a hit which prevented UCLA from having a big inning. In the eighth inning, sophomore second baseman Chase Utley led off with a bullet which appeared to be headed down the right field line but it was snagged by first baseman Ken Wakakuwa. Then sophomore first baseman Garrett Atkins drilled one to deep right field which was picked off on the warning track. After an infield single by sophomore left fielder Bill Scott, junior right fielder Brian Baron hit a bullet right at the shortstop, Corey Miller. The Rainbows also turned two double plays in the game and five in the series.
Hawaii starter Troy Yoshimasu lasted just three innings, giving up three runs, but UCLA could manage just four hits over the next six innings off four Rainbow relievers. Ken Mackenzie picked up the win by pitching a scoreless inning.
Freshman Josh Karp made his long anticipated debut. He was hurt by a real tight strike zone which led to pitching coach Tim Leary's ejection from the game. It was only the second time in Leary's three seasons as pitching coach that he has been ejected. Karp pitched four innings and allowed five runs on five hits while walking five and striking out one. He topped out at 91 miles per hour and pitched much better than his numbers might indicate. His debut was overshadowed by the debut of freshman lefthander Kurt Birkins, who pitched extremely well. Birkins pitched four shutout innings to keep UCLA right in the game. He allowed three hits and three walks while striking out two. Birkins was aided by Scott, who threw a runner out at home plate on a perfect throw.
Scott was 2-3 with a walk, and sophomore left fielder Matt Pearl was 2-4 with a double to pace the UCLA offense. Senior catcher Jason Green, Atkins, Johnson and Baron each added a hit.
UCLA now takes on Hawaii-Hilo (3-9) in a two-game series beginning Monday at 7:00 PM PST. Junior righthander Dan Keller is slated to start for UCLA.
