Friday, March 8
Los Angeles, CA
6:00 PM
UCLA
vs
Michigan at UCLA
Garrett Mitchell is one of three Bruins regulars with a batting average north of .300 (photo: Don Liebig)
Photo by: Don Liebig/ASUCLA
No. 2 UCLA Set for Dodger Stadium College Baseball Classic
March 06, 2019 | Baseball
No. 2 UCLA (9-2) vs. No. 16 Michigan (8-2)
Friday, Mar. 8, 2019 โ 6:00 p.m. PT
Location: Jackie Robinson Stadium
Audio: UCLA Lean Player
Audio Talent: Tim Wilhelm
Live Stats: UCLA Live Stats
No. 2 UCLA (9-2) vs. Oklahoma State (6-4)
Saturday, Mar. 9, 2019 โ 2:00 p.m. PT
Location: Jackie Robinson Stadium
Audio: UCLA Lean Player
Audio Talent: Tim Wilhelm
Live Stats: UCLA Live Stats
No. 2 UCLA (9-2) vs. USC (4-7)
Sunday, Mar. 10, 2019 โ 3:00 p.m. PT
Location: Dodger Stadium
Tickets
Television: Pac-12 Networks
TV Talent: Thad Anderson, Wes Clements
Audio: UCLA Lean Player
Audio Talent: Tim Wilhelm
Live Stats: UCLA Live Stats
No. 2 UCLA Takes Part in Dodger Stadium College Baseball Classic This Weekendย ย ย
This weekend, Mar. 8-10, brings the 2019 Dodger Stadium College Baseball Classic. UCLA will host Michigan and Oklahoma State at Jackie Robinson Stadium on Friday and Saturday, respectively, before facing off against USC at Dodger Stadium on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. The Pac-12 Network will be on-hand to televise the matchup with the Trojans. The Wolverines and Cowboys will play a neutral game on the morning of the Mar. 10 at Dodger Stadium, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Projected Pitching Matchups
Friday, Mar. 8 - 6 p.m. PT
UCLA - Zach Pettway, RHP, So. (0-0, 1.80 ERA)
Michigan - Tommy Henry, LHP, Jr. (3-0, 0.00 ERA)
Saturday, Mar. 9 - 2 p.m. PT
UCLA - Jack Ralston, RHP, RJr. (3-0, 1.00 ERA)
Oklahoma State - TBA
Sunday, Mar. 10 - 3 p.m. PT
UCLA - Jesse Bergin, RHP, Fr. (2-0, 0.51 ERA)
USC - TBA
The Story So Far
UCLA is 9-2 to start the 2019 campaign, sweeping St. John's to open the year and winning weekend series at No. 19 Georgia Tech and against Sacramento State. The Bruins have also defeated their two prior midweek opponents: Loyola Marymount and CSUN. This is the fifth time in 15 years under head coach John Savage that UCLA has won nine out of its first 11 games.
ย
UCLA Pitching Gets Off To Hot Start
UCLA's pitching has been driving the boat in the early going, as the Bruin staff has produced some of the best numbers in the nation. The Bruins lead the Pac-12 in the following statistics: ERA (1.08, second nationally), hits per nine innings (4.59, second), shutouts (four, second), WHIP (0.79, second), strikeout-to-walk ratio (4,50, sixth), and strikeouts per nine innings (11.3, 14th). The Bruins didn't allow a single earned run over their first four games, a first for the program since 2011. The streak without an ER lasted 37 1/3 innings. The Bruins have allowed no earned runs in over half their games (six out of 11).ย
Rotation On A Roll
UCLA's starting pitchers have turned it up a notch over the past week-plus. Over the last five games, Bruin starters have allowed just two earned runs total and have gone without allowing an ER in three games. Over that same span, UCLA starters have struck out 35 batters in 31 innings, including nine-strikeout performances from Zach Pettway and Jesse Bergin. For the year, UCLA starters combined are an undefeated 5-0 with a 0.64 ERA and 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
Burning Up The Basepaths
UCLA stole a total of seven bases last week while only getting caught once. For the season, the Bruins have swiped 15 bags against two caught stealings for an 88% success rate, second-best in the Pac-12.
Don't Mess With The Bull(pen)
While the starters have been strong as of late, the UCLA bullpen has been a rock since Opening Day. Over 34 2/3 ย combined innings of work, Bruin relievers allowed just 14 hits while striking out 50 (a 13.0 K/9 ratio). The UCLA pen has allowed just five earned runs to this point of the season, a 0.45 ERA. Oft-used righties Nate Hadley (0.00 ERA in 6.2 IP), Kyle Mora (0.69 ERA, 21 strikeouts), and Holden Powell (1.29 ERA, two saves) have combined for a 0.68 ERA over 26.2 IP.ย
Savage Eyes A Pair Of Milestones
Heading into the weekend, UCLA head coach John Savage is in striking distance of a pair of career milestones. As of Wednesday, he needs four wins for 500 at UCLA and 16 wins for 600 overall in his career.ย
Rankings Roundup
After last week's series win, UCLA jumped as high as No. 2 in the national polls, with both Baseball America and D1Baseball placing the Bruins there. Elsewhere, UCLA is No. 3 (NCBWA), No. 4 (ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll), and No. 6 (Collegiate Baseball). Among this week's opponents, only Michigan (as high as No. 16) is ranked. Oklahoma State is receiving votes in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll while USC is unranked.ย
Give Me More Moraย ย ย
Junior right-handed reliever Kyle Mora has been overpowering opponents this season, striking out a Pac-12-best 14.5 batters per nine innings. He leads the Pac-12 with eight appearances this year after ranking 11th nationally with 34 appearances a season ago. He is in the midst of a six-inning scoreless streak after opening the year by retiring 13 straight. Mora has gone unscored upon in seven of his eight outings and has gone without allowing a hit in six of those games.ย
Taking One For The Team
Small ball has treated the Bruins well so far in 2019, as UCLA leads the Pac-12 and is third in the country with 12 sac bunts. Will McInerny has laid it down five times, pacing the league and ranking second nationally.ย
Last Week In Review
Last week, UCLA defeated CSUN 4-3 on Tuesday to wrap up a four-game road swing. The Bruins then started a six-game homestand by taking two out of three from WAC-member Sacramento State. The series, originally scheduled to run Friday through Sunday, was altered by a Saturday rainout with the two teams playing a Sunday doubleheader starting at noon. ย
ย ย -The Bruins outlasted CSUN for a 4-3 win on Tuesday, scoring single runs in the seventh and eighth innings to wipe out a go-ahead three run rally from the Matadors in the sixth. Ryan Kreidler drove in the game-tying run with an RBI single in the seventh, and UCLA went up for good an inning later when the CSUN catcher made an errant throw after a ball in the dirt, allowing Matt McLain to score from third. Nick Nastrini logged five shutout innings in his second collegiate start. McLain put the Bruins up early with a bases-loaded, two-run single in the third.
ย ย -UCLA walked off Sac State 2-1 on Friday night. Ryan Kreidler provided the heroics with an RBI single to right field, allowing Jordan Prendiz to score from second, sliding in just ahead of an on-target throw from the right fielder. The game was a pitcher's duel before that, with both Pettway and Sac State starter Parker Brahms tossing seven innings of one-run ball. The Bruins opened the scoring on a fifth-inning sac fly from Jake Pries. Mora threw two scoreless innings of relief to pick up his first win of the year.ย
ย ย -UCLA and Sac State were rained out on Saturday.
ย ย -Led by seven scoreless from starter Jack Ralston, UCLA shut out the Hornets 6-0 in the opener of ย Sunday's doubleheader. He allowed just four hits in his outing, retiring seven straight on two separate occasions. The Hornets only had runners in scoring position once, after a fifth inning double. Kevin Kendall and Noah Cardenas had RBI doubles as part of a four-run seventh, while Jake Pries started the scoring with a solo homer, his first of the year.ย
ย ย -After collecting a season-high 14 hits in the opener, UCLA managed just six hits in the nightcap en route to a 2-1 loss. Steven Moretto hit a ninth inning home run to break a 1-1 deadlock and deliver the win to Sac State. Kreidler provided all of the Bruins' scoring with a solo shot in the fifth inning. Jesse Bergin threw six innings of one-run ball in his third career start.ย
ย ย -UCLA outscored Sac State 9-3 for the series, and outhit them 26-16.ย
Good Luck Getting A Hit
UCLA pitching has held its opponents to seven hits or fewer in every game this season, the only program in the country that can boast that fact. The Bruins have allowed four hits or fewer in seven of 11 games. ย
Konsistent Kreidler
One of UCLA's team captains, Ryan Kreidler has been leading by example this year. One of the Bruins' most consistent performers so far, the Davis, Calif. native has recorded hits in all 11 games to this point in the season while making starts at both shortstop and third base. Over his last five games, he's gone 8-20 (.400) with three multi-hit games and a pair of home runs. His .415 batting average for the season ranks ninth in the Pac-12. Kreidler was a Pac-12 Player of the Week nominee this week after delivering the walk-off hit for the Bruins in Friday's 2-1 win over Sac State.ย
Leading Off Right
UCLA leadoff hitters have done an exceptional job at getting on base, as the Bruins have a team .417 OBP in leadoff at-bats. Ryan Kreidler (.692 OBP in 13 plate appearances), Chase Strumpf (.667 OBP in nine plate appearances), and Jake Pries (.600 OBP in 10 plate appearances) have been especially adept at starting off innings on a high note.ย
Bruins Picked to Win Pac-12 in Preseason Coaches Poll
In a vote of all 11 Pac-12 coaches, the Bruins were picked as the favorites to win the league in 2019. UCLA received eight of 11 first place votes and a league-high 97 points. 2015 was the last time that UCLA was picked to finish first in the Preseason Coaches Poll, which was also the last time that UCLA won the league. Stanford (two first place votes, 90 points) and Oregon St. (one first place vote, 85 points) also received first place votes. They were followed in succession by Arizona (67), Washington (60), Arizona State (59), Oregon (49), California (37), USC (32), Washington State (15), and Utah (14).ย
Strumpf Named a Unanimous First Team Preseason All-American
UCLA junior Chase Strumpf was the First Team second baseman on every Preseason All-America team released this offseason, as he was honored by Baseball America, D1Baseball, Collegiate Baseball, NCBWA, and Perfect Game. He was one of just four players nationwide to gain consensus First Team status, joining catcher Adley Rutschman (Oregon State), first baseman Andrew Vaughn (Cal), and third baseman Josh Jung (Texas Tech). Strumpf slashed .363/.475/.633 last year with 12 home runs and 53 RBIs en route to All-America and Dick Howser Award semifinalist honors.ย
Toglia, Ydens Also Pick Up All-American Acclaim
Strumpf wasn't the only Bruin to get preseason publicity, as both Michael Toglia and Jeremy Ydens were named Preseason All-Americans. Toglia was a Second Teamer in D1Baseball and a Third Team choice in Collegiate Baseball, NCBWA, and Perfect Game, while Ydens was a Second Team outfielder per Collegiate Baseball. Toglia (.336 average, 11 home runs) and Ydens (.350 average, 28 extra-base hits) were key middle-of-the-order bats for the Bruins last year.
Fabulous Freshmen
UCLA's newest class of newcomers was ranked as high as No. 4 in the country (D1Baseball). The Bruins' new class was the highest-ranked in the Pac-12 and in the western half of the country. UCLA has turned in a top-25 recruiting class for five consecutive seasons, while the Bruins' No. 4 ranking is the highest for the program since 2015. A trio of frosh players were selected to D1Baseball's Top-100 Impact Freshmen List, including list-topper Matt McLain, catcher Noah Cardenas (No. 81), and right-handed pitcher Sean Mullen (No. 89).ย
McLain Chooses UCLA
The Bruins' freshman class is highlighted by Tustin, Calif. native Matt McLain, who opted to attend UCLA after being drafted in the first round (25th overall) of the 2018 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. McLain is the second first-round draft pick out of high school to attend UCLA, following in the foosteps of Gerrit Cole (2008). Other high draft choices to turn down MLB overtures include Troy Glaus (37th overall, 1994) and Chase Utley (76th overall, 1997).ย
UCLA In The Positional Power Rankings
UCLA was well-represented in the D1Baseball.com positional power rankings, published just before the start of the season.ย
Chase Strumpf was the Bruins' top player, taking the No. 1 spot at second base. The Bruins' other starting infielders all made it as well: Michael Toglia was the No. 3 first baseman, Kevin Kendall was the No. 21 shortstop, and Ryan Kreidler was No. 29 at third base. All three of the Bruins' starting outfielders made the power rankings too: Jeremy Ydens (No. 15), Matt McLain (No. 37), and Garrett Mitchell (No. 62). A pair of Bruin starting pitchers were recognized (Ryan Garcia, No. 20 and Zach Pettway, No. 100) while Holden Powell (No. 35) made the relievers list.ย
Dynamic Duo Named to Golden Spikes Award Watch List
UCLA's Chase Strumpf and Michael Toglia were both named to the Golden Spikes Award Watch List prior to the new season. In 2018, Strumpf and Toglia were the most prolific Bruin teammates of the last 20 years. The right-side of the UCLA infield became the first Bruin duo since 2007 to hit double-digit home runs in the same season when Cody Decker (14) and Gabe Cohen (10) accomplished the feat. Strumpf and Toglia are just the fourth and fifth Bruins since 2001 with 50-plus RBIs and 10-plus home runs in the same season. The pair also became the first UCLA teammates since 2008 to each drive in over 50 runs in the same season (Casey Haerther, 52 and Brandon Crawford, 51).
Powell Named to Stopper of the Year Watch List
UCLA sophomore righty Holden Powell was named to the 75-man Stopper of the Year Watch List by the NCBWA. First awarded in 2005, the Stopper of the Year is handed out to college baseball's top reliever annually. Former Bruin closer David Berg is the lone pitcher ever to win the award multiple times.ย
Big League Bruins
Baseball America recently dubbed UCLA as the No. 3 producer of Major League talent in an analysis of alumni production since 1999. Anchored by star pitching performances from the likes of Cole and Trevor Bauer alongside All-Star careers from position players Troy Glaus, Chase Utley, and Brandon Crawford, UCLA alums have produced 139 WAR (wins above replacement) since 1999, third-most of any college baseball program in the country.ย
Draft Stock
Bruin players were all over the prospect rankings for both Baseball America (all prospects) and D1Baseball (Division I prospects only). Ranked players include Michael Toglia (D1: 22, BA: 44), Chase Strumpf (D1: 23, BA: 79), Ryan Garcia (D1: 53), Jeremy Ydens (D1: 103), Ryan Kreidler (D1: 178, BA: 190), and Justin Hooper (D1: 255). UCLA commits Corbin Carroll (No. 7), Emanuel Dean (No. 71), and Darius Perry (No. 122) were all included in Baseball America's prospect rankings.
Berg Returns to UCLA
David Berg, arguably the top reliever in college baseball history, returned to UCLA this season as an undergrad assistant coach. He is the NCAA record-holder in career appearances (175) and single seasons saves (23), and holds UCLA career marks in saves (49) and ERA (1.11). He was a two-time Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year and NCBWA Stopper of the Year. Berg logged a 4.63 career ERA over three minor league seasons.ย
Bruins Win the Cape Cod League
Last summer, a quartet of UCLA players โ staff ace Ryan Garcia, center fielder Jeremy Ydens, shortstop Ryan Kreidler, and reliever Jack Ralston โ made up the backbone of the Wareham Gatemen, who eventually went on to win the Cape Cod League Championship. Ydens (.304/.347/.432) and Garcia (2-0, 1.28 ERA) both put up gaudy stat lines en route to All-Cape Cod League honors.
High Expectations For UCLA in Preseason Rankings
UCLA appeared in every national preseason poll this winter, coming in as high as No. 3 (Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball). Elsewhere, the Bruins were ranked No. 4 (NCBWA, Perfect Game), No. 5 (D1Baseball), and No. 7 (ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll). UCLA is the highest-ranked Pac-12 team in four of six polls, and has the highest aggregate ranking of any league team.ย
Friday, Mar. 8, 2019 โ 6:00 p.m. PT
Location: Jackie Robinson Stadium
Audio: UCLA Lean Player
Audio Talent: Tim Wilhelm
Live Stats: UCLA Live Stats
No. 2 UCLA (9-2) vs. Oklahoma State (6-4)
Saturday, Mar. 9, 2019 โ 2:00 p.m. PT
Location: Jackie Robinson Stadium
Audio: UCLA Lean Player
Audio Talent: Tim Wilhelm
Live Stats: UCLA Live Stats
No. 2 UCLA (9-2) vs. USC (4-7)
Sunday, Mar. 10, 2019 โ 3:00 p.m. PT
Location: Dodger Stadium
Tickets
Television: Pac-12 Networks
TV Talent: Thad Anderson, Wes Clements
Audio: UCLA Lean Player
Audio Talent: Tim Wilhelm
Live Stats: UCLA Live Stats
No. 2 UCLA Takes Part in Dodger Stadium College Baseball Classic This Weekendย ย ย
This weekend, Mar. 8-10, brings the 2019 Dodger Stadium College Baseball Classic. UCLA will host Michigan and Oklahoma State at Jackie Robinson Stadium on Friday and Saturday, respectively, before facing off against USC at Dodger Stadium on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. The Pac-12 Network will be on-hand to televise the matchup with the Trojans. The Wolverines and Cowboys will play a neutral game on the morning of the Mar. 10 at Dodger Stadium, starting at 10:30 a.m.
Projected Pitching Matchups
Friday, Mar. 8 - 6 p.m. PT
UCLA - Zach Pettway, RHP, So. (0-0, 1.80 ERA)
Michigan - Tommy Henry, LHP, Jr. (3-0, 0.00 ERA)
Saturday, Mar. 9 - 2 p.m. PT
UCLA - Jack Ralston, RHP, RJr. (3-0, 1.00 ERA)
Oklahoma State - TBA
Sunday, Mar. 10 - 3 p.m. PT
UCLA - Jesse Bergin, RHP, Fr. (2-0, 0.51 ERA)
USC - TBA
The Story So Far
UCLA is 9-2 to start the 2019 campaign, sweeping St. John's to open the year and winning weekend series at No. 19 Georgia Tech and against Sacramento State. The Bruins have also defeated their two prior midweek opponents: Loyola Marymount and CSUN. This is the fifth time in 15 years under head coach John Savage that UCLA has won nine out of its first 11 games.
ย
UCLA Pitching Gets Off To Hot Start
UCLA's pitching has been driving the boat in the early going, as the Bruin staff has produced some of the best numbers in the nation. The Bruins lead the Pac-12 in the following statistics: ERA (1.08, second nationally), hits per nine innings (4.59, second), shutouts (four, second), WHIP (0.79, second), strikeout-to-walk ratio (4,50, sixth), and strikeouts per nine innings (11.3, 14th). The Bruins didn't allow a single earned run over their first four games, a first for the program since 2011. The streak without an ER lasted 37 1/3 innings. The Bruins have allowed no earned runs in over half their games (six out of 11).ย
Rotation On A Roll
UCLA's starting pitchers have turned it up a notch over the past week-plus. Over the last five games, Bruin starters have allowed just two earned runs total and have gone without allowing an ER in three games. Over that same span, UCLA starters have struck out 35 batters in 31 innings, including nine-strikeout performances from Zach Pettway and Jesse Bergin. For the year, UCLA starters combined are an undefeated 5-0 with a 0.64 ERA and 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings.
Burning Up The Basepaths
UCLA stole a total of seven bases last week while only getting caught once. For the season, the Bruins have swiped 15 bags against two caught stealings for an 88% success rate, second-best in the Pac-12.
Don't Mess With The Bull(pen)
While the starters have been strong as of late, the UCLA bullpen has been a rock since Opening Day. Over 34 2/3 ย combined innings of work, Bruin relievers allowed just 14 hits while striking out 50 (a 13.0 K/9 ratio). The UCLA pen has allowed just five earned runs to this point of the season, a 0.45 ERA. Oft-used righties Nate Hadley (0.00 ERA in 6.2 IP), Kyle Mora (0.69 ERA, 21 strikeouts), and Holden Powell (1.29 ERA, two saves) have combined for a 0.68 ERA over 26.2 IP.ย
Savage Eyes A Pair Of Milestones
Heading into the weekend, UCLA head coach John Savage is in striking distance of a pair of career milestones. As of Wednesday, he needs four wins for 500 at UCLA and 16 wins for 600 overall in his career.ย
Rankings Roundup
After last week's series win, UCLA jumped as high as No. 2 in the national polls, with both Baseball America and D1Baseball placing the Bruins there. Elsewhere, UCLA is No. 3 (NCBWA), No. 4 (ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll), and No. 6 (Collegiate Baseball). Among this week's opponents, only Michigan (as high as No. 16) is ranked. Oklahoma State is receiving votes in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll while USC is unranked.ย
Give Me More Moraย ย ย
Junior right-handed reliever Kyle Mora has been overpowering opponents this season, striking out a Pac-12-best 14.5 batters per nine innings. He leads the Pac-12 with eight appearances this year after ranking 11th nationally with 34 appearances a season ago. He is in the midst of a six-inning scoreless streak after opening the year by retiring 13 straight. Mora has gone unscored upon in seven of his eight outings and has gone without allowing a hit in six of those games.ย
Taking One For The Team
Small ball has treated the Bruins well so far in 2019, as UCLA leads the Pac-12 and is third in the country with 12 sac bunts. Will McInerny has laid it down five times, pacing the league and ranking second nationally.ย
Last Week In Review
Last week, UCLA defeated CSUN 4-3 on Tuesday to wrap up a four-game road swing. The Bruins then started a six-game homestand by taking two out of three from WAC-member Sacramento State. The series, originally scheduled to run Friday through Sunday, was altered by a Saturday rainout with the two teams playing a Sunday doubleheader starting at noon. ย
ย ย -The Bruins outlasted CSUN for a 4-3 win on Tuesday, scoring single runs in the seventh and eighth innings to wipe out a go-ahead three run rally from the Matadors in the sixth. Ryan Kreidler drove in the game-tying run with an RBI single in the seventh, and UCLA went up for good an inning later when the CSUN catcher made an errant throw after a ball in the dirt, allowing Matt McLain to score from third. Nick Nastrini logged five shutout innings in his second collegiate start. McLain put the Bruins up early with a bases-loaded, two-run single in the third.
ย ย -UCLA walked off Sac State 2-1 on Friday night. Ryan Kreidler provided the heroics with an RBI single to right field, allowing Jordan Prendiz to score from second, sliding in just ahead of an on-target throw from the right fielder. The game was a pitcher's duel before that, with both Pettway and Sac State starter Parker Brahms tossing seven innings of one-run ball. The Bruins opened the scoring on a fifth-inning sac fly from Jake Pries. Mora threw two scoreless innings of relief to pick up his first win of the year.ย
ย ย -UCLA and Sac State were rained out on Saturday.
ย ย -Led by seven scoreless from starter Jack Ralston, UCLA shut out the Hornets 6-0 in the opener of ย Sunday's doubleheader. He allowed just four hits in his outing, retiring seven straight on two separate occasions. The Hornets only had runners in scoring position once, after a fifth inning double. Kevin Kendall and Noah Cardenas had RBI doubles as part of a four-run seventh, while Jake Pries started the scoring with a solo homer, his first of the year.ย
ย ย -After collecting a season-high 14 hits in the opener, UCLA managed just six hits in the nightcap en route to a 2-1 loss. Steven Moretto hit a ninth inning home run to break a 1-1 deadlock and deliver the win to Sac State. Kreidler provided all of the Bruins' scoring with a solo shot in the fifth inning. Jesse Bergin threw six innings of one-run ball in his third career start.ย
ย ย -UCLA outscored Sac State 9-3 for the series, and outhit them 26-16.ย
Good Luck Getting A Hit
UCLA pitching has held its opponents to seven hits or fewer in every game this season, the only program in the country that can boast that fact. The Bruins have allowed four hits or fewer in seven of 11 games. ย
Konsistent Kreidler
One of UCLA's team captains, Ryan Kreidler has been leading by example this year. One of the Bruins' most consistent performers so far, the Davis, Calif. native has recorded hits in all 11 games to this point in the season while making starts at both shortstop and third base. Over his last five games, he's gone 8-20 (.400) with three multi-hit games and a pair of home runs. His .415 batting average for the season ranks ninth in the Pac-12. Kreidler was a Pac-12 Player of the Week nominee this week after delivering the walk-off hit for the Bruins in Friday's 2-1 win over Sac State.ย
Leading Off Right
UCLA leadoff hitters have done an exceptional job at getting on base, as the Bruins have a team .417 OBP in leadoff at-bats. Ryan Kreidler (.692 OBP in 13 plate appearances), Chase Strumpf (.667 OBP in nine plate appearances), and Jake Pries (.600 OBP in 10 plate appearances) have been especially adept at starting off innings on a high note.ย
Bruins Picked to Win Pac-12 in Preseason Coaches Poll
In a vote of all 11 Pac-12 coaches, the Bruins were picked as the favorites to win the league in 2019. UCLA received eight of 11 first place votes and a league-high 97 points. 2015 was the last time that UCLA was picked to finish first in the Preseason Coaches Poll, which was also the last time that UCLA won the league. Stanford (two first place votes, 90 points) and Oregon St. (one first place vote, 85 points) also received first place votes. They were followed in succession by Arizona (67), Washington (60), Arizona State (59), Oregon (49), California (37), USC (32), Washington State (15), and Utah (14).ย
Strumpf Named a Unanimous First Team Preseason All-American
UCLA junior Chase Strumpf was the First Team second baseman on every Preseason All-America team released this offseason, as he was honored by Baseball America, D1Baseball, Collegiate Baseball, NCBWA, and Perfect Game. He was one of just four players nationwide to gain consensus First Team status, joining catcher Adley Rutschman (Oregon State), first baseman Andrew Vaughn (Cal), and third baseman Josh Jung (Texas Tech). Strumpf slashed .363/.475/.633 last year with 12 home runs and 53 RBIs en route to All-America and Dick Howser Award semifinalist honors.ย
Toglia, Ydens Also Pick Up All-American Acclaim
Strumpf wasn't the only Bruin to get preseason publicity, as both Michael Toglia and Jeremy Ydens were named Preseason All-Americans. Toglia was a Second Teamer in D1Baseball and a Third Team choice in Collegiate Baseball, NCBWA, and Perfect Game, while Ydens was a Second Team outfielder per Collegiate Baseball. Toglia (.336 average, 11 home runs) and Ydens (.350 average, 28 extra-base hits) were key middle-of-the-order bats for the Bruins last year.
Fabulous Freshmen
UCLA's newest class of newcomers was ranked as high as No. 4 in the country (D1Baseball). The Bruins' new class was the highest-ranked in the Pac-12 and in the western half of the country. UCLA has turned in a top-25 recruiting class for five consecutive seasons, while the Bruins' No. 4 ranking is the highest for the program since 2015. A trio of frosh players were selected to D1Baseball's Top-100 Impact Freshmen List, including list-topper Matt McLain, catcher Noah Cardenas (No. 81), and right-handed pitcher Sean Mullen (No. 89).ย
McLain Chooses UCLA
The Bruins' freshman class is highlighted by Tustin, Calif. native Matt McLain, who opted to attend UCLA after being drafted in the first round (25th overall) of the 2018 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. McLain is the second first-round draft pick out of high school to attend UCLA, following in the foosteps of Gerrit Cole (2008). Other high draft choices to turn down MLB overtures include Troy Glaus (37th overall, 1994) and Chase Utley (76th overall, 1997).ย
UCLA In The Positional Power Rankings
UCLA was well-represented in the D1Baseball.com positional power rankings, published just before the start of the season.ย
Chase Strumpf was the Bruins' top player, taking the No. 1 spot at second base. The Bruins' other starting infielders all made it as well: Michael Toglia was the No. 3 first baseman, Kevin Kendall was the No. 21 shortstop, and Ryan Kreidler was No. 29 at third base. All three of the Bruins' starting outfielders made the power rankings too: Jeremy Ydens (No. 15), Matt McLain (No. 37), and Garrett Mitchell (No. 62). A pair of Bruin starting pitchers were recognized (Ryan Garcia, No. 20 and Zach Pettway, No. 100) while Holden Powell (No. 35) made the relievers list.ย
Dynamic Duo Named to Golden Spikes Award Watch List
UCLA's Chase Strumpf and Michael Toglia were both named to the Golden Spikes Award Watch List prior to the new season. In 2018, Strumpf and Toglia were the most prolific Bruin teammates of the last 20 years. The right-side of the UCLA infield became the first Bruin duo since 2007 to hit double-digit home runs in the same season when Cody Decker (14) and Gabe Cohen (10) accomplished the feat. Strumpf and Toglia are just the fourth and fifth Bruins since 2001 with 50-plus RBIs and 10-plus home runs in the same season. The pair also became the first UCLA teammates since 2008 to each drive in over 50 runs in the same season (Casey Haerther, 52 and Brandon Crawford, 51).
Powell Named to Stopper of the Year Watch List
UCLA sophomore righty Holden Powell was named to the 75-man Stopper of the Year Watch List by the NCBWA. First awarded in 2005, the Stopper of the Year is handed out to college baseball's top reliever annually. Former Bruin closer David Berg is the lone pitcher ever to win the award multiple times.ย
Big League Bruins
Baseball America recently dubbed UCLA as the No. 3 producer of Major League talent in an analysis of alumni production since 1999. Anchored by star pitching performances from the likes of Cole and Trevor Bauer alongside All-Star careers from position players Troy Glaus, Chase Utley, and Brandon Crawford, UCLA alums have produced 139 WAR (wins above replacement) since 1999, third-most of any college baseball program in the country.ย
Draft Stock
Bruin players were all over the prospect rankings for both Baseball America (all prospects) and D1Baseball (Division I prospects only). Ranked players include Michael Toglia (D1: 22, BA: 44), Chase Strumpf (D1: 23, BA: 79), Ryan Garcia (D1: 53), Jeremy Ydens (D1: 103), Ryan Kreidler (D1: 178, BA: 190), and Justin Hooper (D1: 255). UCLA commits Corbin Carroll (No. 7), Emanuel Dean (No. 71), and Darius Perry (No. 122) were all included in Baseball America's prospect rankings.
Berg Returns to UCLA
David Berg, arguably the top reliever in college baseball history, returned to UCLA this season as an undergrad assistant coach. He is the NCAA record-holder in career appearances (175) and single seasons saves (23), and holds UCLA career marks in saves (49) and ERA (1.11). He was a two-time Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year and NCBWA Stopper of the Year. Berg logged a 4.63 career ERA over three minor league seasons.ย
Bruins Win the Cape Cod League
Last summer, a quartet of UCLA players โ staff ace Ryan Garcia, center fielder Jeremy Ydens, shortstop Ryan Kreidler, and reliever Jack Ralston โ made up the backbone of the Wareham Gatemen, who eventually went on to win the Cape Cod League Championship. Ydens (.304/.347/.432) and Garcia (2-0, 1.28 ERA) both put up gaudy stat lines en route to All-Cape Cod League honors.
High Expectations For UCLA in Preseason Rankings
UCLA appeared in every national preseason poll this winter, coming in as high as No. 3 (Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball). Elsewhere, the Bruins were ranked No. 4 (NCBWA, Perfect Game), No. 5 (D1Baseball), and No. 7 (ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll). UCLA is the highest-ranked Pac-12 team in four of six polls, and has the highest aggregate ranking of any league team.ย
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