UCLA
California*
Bruins Unable to Hold onto Lead, Fall 8-6 to California
April 05, 2003 | Baseball
April 5, 2003
Despite building a 6-4 lead heading into the top of the ninth, UCLA (17-17) was unable to hold on for the win as California (19-14) posted four runs in the top of the inning to earn the victory.
A one-out single from Matt Einspahr started the ninth inning rally. An error, passed ball and wild pitch would combine with a double from James Holder to put four California runs on the board. The loss marked the first for Bruin hurler Chris Cordeiro (0-1) this season.
UCLA had started to build its lead after Preston Griffin hit a lead-off home run in the bottom of the first frame following two runs from the Bears in the top of the inning.
The Bruins kept California off the board until the seventh inning behind the pitching from starter Wes Whisler. The left-hander only allowed two runs on six hits in the first 5.2 innings.
In the third, Matt Thayer gave UCLA a three-run lead with a grand slam home run. He drove in Brett McMillan, Whisler and Billy Susdorf who had reached on a fielder's choice, single and walk, respectively.
Thayer would score again in the fifth when Ryan McCarthy's sacrifice fly brought him across home plate.
The teams will face-off tomorrow in the third and final game of the series when Casey Janssen takes the mound for UCLA. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.
