UCLA
Arizona State
#2 UCLA Drops Final Game, 2-1, to #9 Arizona State
May 10, 2015 | Baseball
PHOENIX, ARIZ. – No. 2 UCLA dropped the series finale to No. 9 Arizona State, 2-1, on Sunday afternoon at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. However, the Bruins win the series, 2-1, maintaining their un-blemished record in weekend series, 12-0.
Arizona State's Brett Lilek (4-2) pitched a complete game, allowing one run on three hits to get the win. Hunter Virant (0-1) pitched well in his first start, allowing just one run on three hits, but received the loss.
After totaling 33 hits through the first two games, the Bruins had just three hits in the third game. Kevin Kramer (2-for-4) led the way, tallying two of the team's three hits.
It was a true pitcher's duel through the first four innings, with neither team being able to string together much offense. The Sun Devils totaled three hits, while the Bruins had just one over that span, as VIrant and Lilek controlled the contest from the mound.
Arizona State (30-17, 15-9) finally tallied the game's first run in the bottom of the fifth to break the scoreless game. With one out, RJ Ybarra doubled to left field to put a runner in scoring position for the Sun Devils. Then, following a strikeout, Johnny Sewald laced a single back up the middle to bring in the opening run of the afternoon.
The Sun Devils added to their lead in the bottom of the seventh with another RBI off of the bat of Sewald. All with one out, Ybarra walked, Andrew Snow singled and Sewald doubled to right field to extend the ASU lead to two runs, 2-0.
UCLA (36-12, 18-6) pulled back within one run in the next half inning, scoring a run on a two-out rally in the top of the eighth. With two down and none on, Brett Stephens was hit with a pitch. Kramer followed with a single through the left side that was misplayed by the Sun Devil left fielder, allowing both runners to move up a base. The next batter, Ty Moore, then grounded into a fielder's choice, but a heads-up play by Kramer, to create a run-down, allowed Stephens to come home on the play before the final out was recorded.
However, that marked the last run of the game, as the Bruins were set down in order in the final inning.
UCLA will continue their road stretch on Tuesday, May 12, at Cal State Fullerton. The game is set to begin at 6:00pm PT and fans can listen live at uclabruins.com.
Notes: Hunter Virant made his first career start, setting a new career-high in innings pitched. Kevin Kramer (.389) led the team in hitting this weekend, totaling seven hits, four runs and two RBI. Trent Chatterton (.267) also had a productive weekend, driving in a team-high five runs on four hits. The UCLA pitching staff combined to post a 1.85 ERA this weekend, to go with 19 strikeouts and five walks.
