University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Payton Brennan and Zach Strickland
Brennan, Strickland Receive Big Ten Weekly Honors
April 06, 2026 | Baseball
ROSEMONT, Ill. โ Junior outfielder Payton Brennan and freshman right-handed pitcher Zach Strickland of the No.ย 1-ranked UCLA baseball team have received Big Ten Conference weekly honors after leading the Bruins to a perfect 4-0 week, including a sweep over No.ย 12 USC.
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This marks the first Big Ten weekly accolade for both players.
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Brennan led No.ย 1 UCLA to a perfect 4-0 week, slashing .556 (10-for-18) with a home run, seven RBIs, and five runs scored. The junior delivered three consecutive three-hit games in the Bruins' sweep of No.ย 12 USC and added two highlight-reel defensive plays in right field, a leaping home-run robbery in Saturday's ninth inning and a full-extension diving catch on Sunday, to cap a dominant two-way performance.
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Strickland was equally impressive out of the bullpen, posting three straight scoreless outings during UCLA's undefeated week. The freshman right-hander worked 5.1 shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out seven. He closed the weekend by firing two pivotal scoreless frames in Sunday's finale, securing his first career save to finish off the sweep.
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The Bruins have now won 23 straight games, the longest winning streak in program history.
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UCLA now heads to Cal State Fullerton for a Tuesday, April 7 midweek matchup, with live coverage on ESPN+.
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ย
This marks the first Big Ten weekly accolade for both players.
ย
Brennan led No.ย 1 UCLA to a perfect 4-0 week, slashing .556 (10-for-18) with a home run, seven RBIs, and five runs scored. The junior delivered three consecutive three-hit games in the Bruins' sweep of No.ย 12 USC and added two highlight-reel defensive plays in right field, a leaping home-run robbery in Saturday's ninth inning and a full-extension diving catch on Sunday, to cap a dominant two-way performance.
ย
Strickland was equally impressive out of the bullpen, posting three straight scoreless outings during UCLA's undefeated week. The freshman right-hander worked 5.1 shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out seven. He closed the weekend by firing two pivotal scoreless frames in Sunday's finale, securing his first career save to finish off the sweep.
ย
The Bruins have now won 23 straight games, the longest winning streak in program history.
ย
UCLA now heads to Cal State Fullerton for a Tuesday, April 7 midweek matchup, with live coverage on ESPN+.
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Players Mentioned
OF
/ Baseball
RHP
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