UCLA crushes Oregon State, 8-0

Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise for Beaver fans that Friday nights highly-anticipated baseball game wasn’t televised. #2 ranked UCLA, cruised to an 8-0 victory at home. The Bruins Friday starter, Zach Pettway, pitched seven shut-out innings and was almost lights out. He allowed just three hits and picked up eight strike-outs.

Oregon State’s typical Friday starter, Kevin Abel, was held out as he recovers from a minor back injury and is not expected to pitch this weekend against the Bruins. Grant Gambrell got the start instead and pitched admirably, but picked up the loss while throwing 103 total pitches.

The Beavers had some chances to get on the scoreboard, but left 7 baserunners stranded. UCLA picked up 12 hits in the game and had a couple of chances to pick up even more runs.

George Mendoza who got the start at third base was one of the only bright spots for the Beavers. He was a perfect 3-for-3 behind the plate (two singles and a double).

While it’s certainly a disappointing performance for Oregon State, it shouldn’t have too big of an impact on the rest of the season. The Beavers were using their fourth starter against one of the best pitchers in the Pac-12. It would have been nice to get the bats going, but Oregon State will shake off this loss and regroup for tomorrow’s game where the experienced Bryce Fehmel is expected to take the mound.