No. 9 UCLA Softball Looks to Dominate in Midweek Showdown Against Cal Baptist
LOS ANGELES – The excitement is palpable as the No. 9-ranked UCLA Bruins prepare to take the field against the Cal Baptist Lancers in a midweek clash on Tuesday, April 8, at Funk Stadium. With the game kicking off at 6 p.m. PT and the venue boasting a capacity of just 500 seats—now completely sold out—fans are eager to witness this thrilling matchup.
For those unable to secure tickets, fret not! You can catch all the action live on ESPN+ HERE. Want to stay updated on the plays as they unfold? Live stats for the match are available HERE.
A Historic Showdown Awaits
As the Bruins (36-5, 9-1 Big Ten) step onto the diamond, they’ll be facing off against the Lancers (17-22, 5-7 WAC) for the first time since Cal Baptist transitioned to NCAA Division I in the 2018-19 season. The previous encounters between these two teams date back to the 1975 and 1976 seasons, where UCLA overwhelmingly outscored Cal Baptist 76-7.
Get Your Home Game Tickets!
Excited to see more of the Bruins? Single-game tickets for the remaining eight home games are on sale now. Don’t miss out on securing your chance to cheer on the Bruins in their inaugural season in the Big Ten! Additional ticket information can be found here. For inquiries, fans can reach out at (310) 206-5991 or email [email protected].
Upcoming Rivals: Washington Awaits
Mark your calendars! The Bruins are set to welcome their longtime rivals, the Washington Huskies, for a highly anticipated three-game series, starting on Friday, April 11. With game times scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 12 p.m. on Sunday, this matchup will mark the 33rd consecutive season these teams meet, and the first as Big Ten competitors.
Celebrating Success: Megan Grant Shines Bright
In recent accolades, Junior utility player Megan Grant has been named Big Ten Player of the Week following a stellar performance. Last week, she helped lead UCLA to an impressive 4-0 record, culminating in a dominant sweep over the No. 21 Ohio State Buckeyes. Grant boasted a jaw-dropping .727 batting average (8-for-11), highlighted by two home runs and nine RBIs, including a walk-off grand slam that sealed a mercy-rule victory in the series opener. With this performance, her season home run total has climbed to 17, placing her among the elite in the Big Ten.
Key Stats and Facts About the Bruins
- Victorious against tough competition: UCLA holds a 9-3 record against top-25-ranked teams this season.
- Dominating run differential: The Bruins lead the nation with a staggering +254 run differential (333-79).
- Offensive powerhouses: UCLA ranks third in NCAA Division I for runs scored (333) and sixth in slugging percentage (.635).
- Record-breaking performances: With a total of 22 mercy-rule wins, UCLA has set a new program record.
- Pitching excellence: UCLA’s pitching staff has impressive metrics, ranking in the top 10 nationally in several categories, including WHIP (0.99) and strikeouts (316).
Recapping the Brilliant Sweep of Ohio State
Last weekend, the Bruins showcased their dominance by sweeping Ohio State in a two-game series.
Game One (W, 14-6): UCLA powered through with four homers, including two grand slams. Grant led the charge with a career-high seven RBIs, while Kaitlyn Terry contributed her first collegiate home run, marking a historic second inning.
Game Two (W, 7-0): The brilliance continued as Taylor Tinsley tossed a one-hit shutout, striking out ten batters and maintaining her stronghold against a team known for its power hitting.
Closing Thoughts
As excitement builds for the showdown against Cal Baptist, UCLA looks to maintain its momentum and secure another victory. Will you be tuned in to watch the Bruins continue their quest for supremacy this season? Don’t miss out on the thrilling plays and standout performances as UCLA seeks to solidify its position as a powerhouse in college softball!
