The UCLA baseball team defeated Michigan State 4-3 on May 2, maintaining its undefeated record in conference play. The game took place at Jeff Ishbia Field, where the Bruins secured an early lead with a four-run first inning and relied on strong bullpen pitching to close out the win.
This victory keeps UCLA (42-4, 23-0 Big Ten) perfect in the conference. Roch Cholowsky and Cashel Dugger each recorded three hits, while Dean West contributed two hits. Payton Brennan provided a crucial two-run single during the opening frame. Roman Martin also added a hit for the Bruins.
Michael Barnett started on the mound for UCLA, pitching four and one-third innings and allowing two runs on four hits. Elai Iwanaga earned his second win of the season by working through a bases-loaded situation in the fifth inning without further damage. The bullpen combination of Justin Lee, Angel Cervantes, Cal Randall, and Easton Hawk limited Michigan State to just one run over nearly five innings.
Easton Hawk finished out the game with his eleventh save of the season—his second consecutive save—by retiring all batters he faced in the ninth inning and preserving UCLA’s lead.
The Bruins will return for their series finale against Michigan State tomorrow morning at 9:05 a.m., with live coverage available on B1G+.
