The UCLA baseball team, ranked No. 1 nationally, defeated UC San Diego 7-2 on Saturday at Jackie Robinson Stadium, marking its second consecutive win to start the 2026 season.
Senior pitcher Michael Barnett earned his first victory of the year with a five-inning performance in which he allowed one run on two hits and struck out four batters. The Bruins’ offense was active throughout the game, highlighted by Cashel Dugger’s three-hit effort that included a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Dugger also contributed defensively by throwing out a runner at third base in the second inning.
Roch Cholowsky opened the scoring for UCLA with a solo home run in the first inning as part of his two-hit day. Payton Brennan recorded multiple hits for the second straight game and hit his first home run of the season. Mulivai Levu added two hits to support the offensive effort.
UC San Diego took an early lead when Gabe Camacho hit a solo homer in the opening frame. UCLA responded immediately with Cholowsky’s home run to tie the score. The Bruins moved ahead in the second inning after Dugger doubled and Aidan Aguayo drove him in with a sacrifice fly.
UCLA increased its lead to 3-1 in the fifth inning following consecutive doubles from Cholowsky and Levu, followed by Roman Martin’s RBI groundout. After allowing an early home run, Barnett retired 12 of his final 13 batters before turning over pitching duties to Wylan Moss, who pitched nearly three innings without giving up a run and struck out four.
The Bruins extended their advantage with a four-run eighth inning featuring Brennan’s leadoff homer, Will Gasparino’s triple—his first collegiate hit—and Dugger’s two-run shot off the scoreboard. Additional contributions came from Trey Gudoy and Dean West during this rally.
Cal Randall relieved Moss late in the eighth inning and ended UC San Diego’s threat with a strikeout. Angel Cervantes closed out the ninth despite allowing one run; Brennan secured UCLA’s win with a diving catch for the final out.
UCLA will aim for a series sweep against UC San Diego on Sunday at Jackie Robinson Stadium, with Landon Stump scheduled as starting pitcher. The game will be available for viewing on B1G+.
