The Pepperdine Waves seized a huge win last Friday night against #13 UCLA as they defeated the Bruins 8-7 and moved to 10-3 on the year. Bryan Langlois (right fielder) led the way for the Waves with a two run homer to put his team on the board in the top of the fourth.
With great weather on tap, the stage was set at Jackie Robinson stadium for an excellent matchup. Each team sent their aces to the mound.
For the Waves, Corey Miller, who held a 1-1 record and an earned run average below one, took the mound while UCLA sent James Kaprielian (2-1) who also had an ERA below one.
The game started as most thought with each pitcher dominating on the mound, not allowing a run until the fourth inning. Kaprielian didn’t even allow a base runner until the fourth inning.
In the top of the fourth Jack Ross (left fielder) became the first base runner for Pepperdine after being issued a walk. Hutton Moyer (second baseman) then followed up with a sacrifice bunt to move Ross over to second. Seeing as the Waves had their first scoring opportunity, they took advantage and Bryan Langlois launched the ball over the left field fence to put Pepperdine up 2-0.
Miller began to struggle, however, and UCLA responded in the bottom of the fourth making it 2-1 after Ty Moore (left fielder) doubled home catcher Shane Zeile. After the run scored, Miller was able to escape stranding runners on second and third to end the inning.Â
The offense for Pepperdine hit the Bruins hard in the top of the sixth scoring six runs to make it 7-1. Stringing together a couple hits, it seemed the Waves rattled Kaprielian as he started to lose command. Four walks were issued in the sixth making it easier for Pepperdine.
After the sixth, Pepperdine looked in control of the game while being in line for the win, but that didn’t stop UCLA.
The Bruins erupted for five runs in the bottom of the seventh to make it 7-6 as Miller struggled and was pulled by head coach Steve Rodriguez after UCLA’s Brett Stephens (DH) singled home a run.Â
Pepperdine added a insurance run in the top of the ninth with Moyer doubling home Brandon Caruso (DH) to make it 8-6. Shane Zeile gave the Waves a scare after homering in the bottom of the ninth to make 8-7. However, closer Eric Karch didn’t let it get to him and shut down the rest of the Bruin hitters for the victory.
Coach Rodriguez believed his team “competed real well” but still thinks they can improve.
“We haven’t played our best baseball yet; we have to get better,” Rodriguez said.
The Waves took down USC the next day and Houston the day after to move to 12-3 on the year as they are off to a hot start. On Wednesday, UC Santa Barbara topped the Waves 2-1 giving them only their fourth loss of the year.
Pepperdine, who is currently first in the West Coast Conference, opens up a three game series against Pacific this Friday at home.Â