UCLA
2-2
Gonzaga
3-2
UCLA Falls in Extra Innings to Gonzaga, 2-1
February 24, 2017 | Baseball
LOS ANGELES โ Griffin Canning struck out 12 batters in 7.0 shutout innings and Nick Valaika hit his first career home run as the UCLA baseball dropped its series opener to Gonzaga in 10 innings, 2-1, on Friday from Jackie Robinson Stadium.
Canning's 12 strikeouts tied a career-high he set last season against Mississippi State on March 4. The last UCLA pitcher before Canning to record 12 strikeouts in a game was James Kaprielian against Arizona State on March 28, 2014. Canning allowed just two hits over his 7.0 innings and did not allow a run for the second-straight start.
This marks the second game in a row a Bruin pitcher has collected double-digit strikeouts as Justin Hooper posted 10 punch outs against UC Riverside on Tuesday in 4.1 innings in relief.
Gonzaga scored the game-winning run in the 10th inning when Troy Johnston hit a RBI-single to left field to score Jake Roberts from second base who led off the inning with a walk.
The Zags sent the game to extra innings by scratching a run across the plate in the ninth inning. Tyler Frost led off the inning with a single to left field and later scored from third base as Gunnar Schubert hit a ground ball to third base with one out.
UCLA looked to end the game in the bottom half of the ninth inning as Daniel Rosica led off the inning with a bunt single and Sean Bouchard drew an intentional walk but were unable to score the game-winning run.
Gonzaga's Sam Hellinger (1-0) earned the win tossing 3.0 shutout innings out of the bullpen, while Wyatt Mills recorded his second save of the season. Brian Gadsby (1-2) took the loss for UCLA.
The Bruins scored the game's first run in the second inning as Valaika led off the second inning with a solo home run to left field. It marks the sophomore's first career home run.
UCLA ended the game with one run on eight hits and no errors, while Gonzaga finished with two runs on six hits and one error.
UCLA will look to even the series on Saturday when it continues the three-game set with Gonzaga at Jackie Robinson Stadium with first pitch set for 2 p.m. (PT).
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: HELLINGER, Sam (1-0)
L: Gadsby, Brian (1-2)
S: MILLS, Wyatt (2)
Batting:
2B: BROOKS, Nick 1
RBI: JOHNSTON, Troy 1 ; SCHUBERT, Gunnar 1
SH: JACOBS, Justin 1 ; FREDRICKSON, Daniel 1
Base Running:
RUNS: FROST, Tyler 1 ; ROBERTS, Jake 1
Batting:
2B: Toglia, Michael 1
HR: Valaika, Nick 1
RBI: Valaika, Nick 1
SH: Valaika, Nick 1 ; Pries, Jake 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Valaika, Nick 1
HBP: Amaral, Daniel 1
