UCLA defeated Rutgers, 4-1, in a 14-inning baseball game on Apr. 10 at Bainton Field. Logan Reddemann matched the program record with 18 strikeouts, helping the Bruins’ pitching staff total 30 strikeouts—just one short of the NCAA all-time single-game record.
The extended contest saw Cashel Dugger hit a grounder to third base in the top of the 14th inning, allowing Payton Brennan to score and break a long-standing tie. Aidan Espinoza followed by delivering a pinch-hit single through the right side that drove in two more runs for UCLA.
Easton Hawk closed out the game by retiring all three batters he faced in the bottom half of the inning, securing his sixth save of the season. The Bruins improved their season record to 31-2 overall and remained undefeated in Big Ten conference play at 16-0. This win also extended their winning streak to 25 games.
Reddemann’s performance tied Rob Henkel’s mark set in 2000 for most strikeouts by a UCLA pitcher in a single game. Dean West led UCLA’s offense with three hits as part of an eleven-hit effort from his team. Will Gasparino and Brennan each contributed multiple hits; Brennan also drove in one run after being hit by a pitch and later scored what proved to be the decisive run.
Zach Strickland took over pitching duties during extra innings, throwing four scoreless frames while striking out seven batters and allowing only two hits. Cal Randall added two more strikeouts during his appearance as well.
Rutgers initially took an early lead after a leadoff double but was unable to generate further offense against strong UCLA pitching. The Bruins tied it up in the third inning thanks to several hit-by-pitches and walks before finally breaking through again late in extra innings.
UCLA will return to Bainton Field for game two of their series against Rutgers tomorrow at noon Pacific Time.
