The UCLA Bruins defeated the Oregon Ducks 8-1 on Sunday and took the series from the Ducks.
It was a close game early on with no runs coming in the first two innings from either team, and it stayed scoreless until the third inning when Briana Perez flew out to center which ended up scoring Kelli Godin as the Bruins took a 1-0 lead late in the bottom of the third inning. After a scoreless fourth inning, it was the Ducks turn to get on the board in the top of the fifth. With the bases loaded, Haley Cruse hit a single to shortstop which scored Ailee Bunker to tie the game at one run apiece. However, that is the only run the Ducks would get that inning as Cherish Burks grounded to shortstop to retire the side.
The sixth inning was all UCLA and showed why they are one of the teams to beat in college softball. First, Rachel Garcia hit a three-run home run to give UCLA a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth. The Bruins added some insurance later that inning as Malia Quarles hit a grand slam to make it an 8-1 game, and that would be your final from Los Angeles. Rachel Garcia picks up her 17th win of the season and keeps her perfect record intact at 17-0 on the year. Jordan Dail picks up the loss for the Ducks as she falls to 14-10 on the season. UCLA had eight hits that resulted in eight runs in today’s game. UCLA’s Bubba Nickles went 3 for 4 on the day. The Bruins improve to 37-2 on the year.
The Bruins will start a weekend series with the Oregon State Beavers on the road beginning on Thursday. The Ducks will start a home series with the California Golden Bears beginning on Thursday.