LOS ANGELES – It was just one of those nights for the Titans, as No. 9 UCLA proved it was worthy of its top-10 ranking, defeating Cal State Fullerton 12-4, Tuesday evening at Jackie Robinson Stadium.
For Fullerton (19-20), the contest marked its 11th against a ranked team this season.
Jacob Pavletich led the way with a 2-for-4 night from the plate, with a stolen base, RBI and run scored. Chris Prescott recorded a hit and scored two runs, while Daniel Cope reached three times, with two walks and a hit.
Ruben Cardenas recorded a hit and a walk. Mitchell Berryhill also reached via a hit. Brett Borgogno scored a run.
Blake Workman and Jimmy Endersby posted scoreless outings out of the bullpen.
UCLA (26-10) managed to manufacture the game's first run, striking for a run off of two hits in the bottom of the second.
The Bruins then extend their lead in the third, as they plated two on three hits in the frame. However, Josten limited the damage, as he recorded three straight outs to strand a runner at third in the frame.
The Titans then got themselves back in the ballgame in the fifth, as they struck for two runs on two hits in the frame. Pavletich got things started, as he shot a rocket single to third base and then advanced to second off a throwing error to lead off the inning. Pavletich then showed some aggressive base running, as he stole third base with just one away. The stolen base proved to be huge, as Borgogno walked and then advanced to second on a passed ball. LoForte then flied out to right field to drive in Pavletich with the sacrifice fly, trimming the UCLA lead to 3-1.
Berryhill then came up with a clutch two out single up the middle to drive in Borogono to make it just a 3-2 contest.
The Titan momentum was quickly halted, as UCLA put up a four-spot off of three hits in the fifth to extend its advantage to 7-2.
Fullerton got one back in the sixth, as Prescott and Cope came up with back-to-back knocks to begin the frame to put runners at the corners with no one out. Valenzuela grounded out to shortstop, but it was enough to drive in Prescott from third base to bring the Titans within 7-3.
UCLA responded with two more in the seventh to open up a 9-3 advantage.
Fullerton managed to manufacture another run in the eighth, as Cardenas began the frame with a walk. Prescott reached on a leadoff while, then Cope walked. Two batters later, Pavletich singled to left field to drive in Prescott and cut the deficit to 9-4.
Unfortunately, UCLA tacked on three more in the eighth to bring the game to its final score.
The Titans will get back to work in conference play, as they'll take on UC Irvine in a three-game set, beginning Friday at 6:30 pm PT in Irvine.
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