UCLA Softball: Bruins Lose Historically to Texas in Saturday Split
The UCLA Bruins set a new program record on Saturday night, but it wasn't a good one.
A 16-0 thumping by Texas is the program's largest margin of defeat. The previous record was 15.
After the No. 10 Bruins dropped a 3-2 nail-biter to No. 5 Texas on Friday night, things looked promising for Saturday's doubleheader, which included a rematch with the Longhorns.
That was quickly erased when Texas launched four home runs, including two grand slams, en route to a run-rule, five-inning win over The Mighty Bruins at Easton Stadium.
First-year Bruin Jada Cecil, who was last year's Big West Pitcher of the Year at UC San Diego, got the start and surrendered 12 earned runs in 4.1 innings. She walked six and struck out two before giving way to Mackenzie Ficke, who gave up four earned runs on two hits and four walks in less than an inning.
Viviana Martinez was 4-for-4 with two bombs, five RBIs, and four runs scored. Mia Scott was 2-for-3 with a homer, six RBIs, and two runs scored. Victoria Hunter added a pinch-hit home run of her own in the fifth.
Maya Brady led UCLA going 2-for-2. The Bruins only had four hits.
Game 1: UCLA 7, San Diego 6
The Bruins jumped out to an early 7-0 lead but couldn't score again after the third inning.
Freshman Kaitlyn Terry got her first career victory after almost going the distance. She pitched 6.2 innings and gave up four earned runs on eight hits and two walks. She struck out seven.
Sophomore Taylor Tinsley got her second save of the year with a strikeout to end the game.
Seven Bruins recorded a hit, and six drove in at least one run. Grad transfer Jadelyn Allchin hit her first home run as a Bruin and drove in two. Thessa Malau'ulu was 2-for-2 and the only Bruin to have a multihit game against the Toreros.
UCLA closes out its opening weekend against No. 9 Oklahoma State on Sunday at 1 p.m. It will be broadcast on ESPN.