UCLA
Long Beach State
No. 8 UCLA Earns Shutout Victory over Long Beach State
February 25, 2015 | Baseball
LOS ANGELES – The No. 8 UCLA Bruins defeated the Long Beach State Dirtbags, 1-0, on Tuesday night at Jackie Robinson Stadium behind a game-winning solo home run from junior shortstop Kevin Kramer.
Kramer served up the game-winning blow for the Bruins in the sixth inning when he sent a 1-0 fastball soaring over the right-field fence for his second home run of the season. Freshman right-hander Griffin Canning (1-1) was terrific on the mound for the Bruins. Making his second career start, Canning allowed three hits, no runs and struck out six batters over six innings of work to earn the victory. Long Beach State's Ryan Cruz (0-1) received the loss, allowing one run in six innings and All-American closer David Berg earned his first save of the season in relief for UCLA.
The game was a true pitcher's duel as both starters had shutouts going into the sixth inning. However, it was the Bruins pitching staff that shined the brightest. Canning, Tucker Forbes, Grant Dyer and David Berg combined to allow just four hits and strike out 12 batters over nine innings. Moreover, the Dirtbags were never allowed to advance a runner past first base all evening.
After Canning went six innings, Forbes was brought on in the seventh inning where he set the Dirtbags down in order, bookending the three hitters with a pair of strikeouts. Then, in the eighth inning, Dyer struck out the side after allowing a single to the lead-off man. To finish off the game, Berg was brought on in the ninth inning where he struck out the final batter of the game to earn his first save of the year and 37th save of his illustrious career.
Contrary to their average of 15 hits per game entering tonight, the Bruin offense was only able to amass two hits in total. Joining Kramer in the hit column was UCLA's leading hitter, Ty Moore, who added a single in the sixth inning. Despite having just two hits, the Bruins were able to manufacture opportunities, including a bases loaded chance in the eighth inning.
Chatterton began the eighth inning by reaching on a throwing error by the Long Beach State second baseman. Two outs later, Moore was intentionally walked after Chatterton had reached second on fielding error. Then, a wild pitch and a walk to Chris Keck set the table for junior catcher Darrell Miller Jr., but he was unable to cash in as he grounded out to end the frame.
Although UCLA had a slow night at the plate, the pitching staff was superb and propelled the Bruins to the 1-0 victory.
The Bruins will next play an exhibition against the NC Dinos tomorrow at 4:00pm PT at Jackie Robinson Stadium. Entrance for tomorrow's scrimmage is free to the public.
Following Wednesday's exhibition, UCLA will host a three-game series against Michigan State beginning on Friday, February 27 at 6:00pm PT. The entire weekend series can be heard live on uclabruins.com.
Notes: Freshman pitcher Griffin Canning earned his first collegiate win and shutout tonight. Junior outfielder Ty Moore extended his hitting streak to eight games. The team's combined 12 strikeouts matched their season-high set on February 15 against Hofstra.
