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LOS ANGELES - Senior Mysha Sataraka connected on her team-leading fourth home run of the season, while junior Delaney Spaulding drove in three runs, but the 13th-ranked Bruins dropped a close 8-6 decision to #2 Michigan on Wednesday at Easton Stadium.
The Bruins (9-7) had just four hits as a team, but also got seven additional baserunners on six walks and a hit by pitch. Senior Allexis Bennett produced two of UCLA's hits and also scored two runs. Sataraka walked and scored three times, while driving in two. In the circle, sophomore Johanna Grauer (3-5) struck out two in 6 2/3 innings of relief, allowing four runs, five hits and five walks. She retired seven in a row at one point, setting the Wolverines (13-2) down in order in the third and fourth frames.
Michigan raced out to an early lead with four in the top of the first on RBI singles from Sierra Romero and Kelly Christner and a two-run single from Aidan Falk. UCLA got one back in its half of the first when Sataraka launched a homer just over the wall in left to make it 4-1.
An unearned run drew the Bruins closer in the fourth. Sataraka started the inning with a walk, moved up two bases on a sacrifice by sophomore Madeline Jelenicki and a Spaulding grounder and scored when Michigan shortstop Abby Ramirez booted a bouncer off the bat of junior Gabrielle Maurice to cut the deficit to 4-2.
In the fifth, the Bruins tied the game with just one hit. Freshman Zoe Shaw drew a leadoff walk, and one out later, moved to second on an infield single from Bennett. Sophomore Kylee Perez was hit by a pitch to load the bases for Sataraka, who walked to force home Shaw with the Bruins' third run. One out later, Spaulding drew a free pass to plate Bennett and even the score at four.
Michigan re-took the lead for good in the sixth on a three-run homer by Amanda Vargas. The Wolverines added another in the seventh on a homer from Kelsey Susalla.
The Bruins didn't quit though, getting the tying run up to the plate in the bottom of the seventh before falling by two. Bennett led off with a walk, and one out later, Sataraka drew a free pass. A Jelenicki grounder moved both runners over and a Spaulding single through the 3-4 hole plated Bennett and Sataraka to get UCLA to within 8-6, but that would end up being the final score.
The Bruins host the Stacy Winsberg Memorial Tournament this weekend, starting with a matchup on Friday against UC Santa Barbara at 6 p.m.