MORAGA, Calif. — The Gaels will hit the road after just one game at home as they head south this weekend to take on No. 10 UCLA.
SCHEDULE
Game #5
Saint Mary's Gaels (2-2) vs. UCLA Bruins (4-0)
Friday, February 21, 6:00 p.m.
Los Angeles – Jackie Robinson Stadium
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Game #6
Saint Mary's Gaels (2-2) vs. UCLA Bruins (4-0)
Saturday, February 22, 2:00 p.m.
Los Angeles – Jackie Robinson Stadium
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Game #7
Saint Mary's Gaels (2-2) vs. UCLA Bruins (4-0)
Sunday, February 23, 1:00 p.m.
Los Angeles – Jackie Robinson Stadium
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SCOUTING REPORT
The Gaels split their first four competitions of the season thus far as they dropped the first two contests to Sam Houston before winning the final game of the series, followed by their first home victory over Utah. SMC was unable to put up runs in Friday or Saturday's games in support of strong performances from junior Carlos Lomeli and redshirt-senior Ty Madrigal, however the Gaels poured on eight runs in the series finale to pick up their first win of the season. Saint Mary's continued their strong offensive production in the home opener against Utah as they strung together hit after hit for a total of nine runs and were held scoreless in only two innings of the contest. Ryan Taurek recorded the win on Monday for his first collegiate victory.
Junior Gio Diaz has been on fire for the Gaels through the first week of the season as he leads the team in a number of offensive categories. Diaz is hitting .526 (3rd WCC) through the first four matchups and has posted a team-high, 10 hits thus far which is good enough to be ranked first in the West Coast Conference and third in the nation. He also has the best on-base percentage among his teammates (.526). Redshirt junior Nico Lima, who is new to the team this season, is also bringing a lot of power to the lineup as he has a .444 batting average with eight hits, nine RBIs, and two home runs thus far. His two homers are ranked second best in the conference and 13th in the country. The team has a total of 44 hits on the season which is ranked just behind Santa Clara (57) for most in the WCC (23rd nationally).
On the mound, Carlos Lomeli recorded a stellar first start of this season as he pitched 6.0 innings, allowing just four hits and one earned run, while striking out seven batters. Prior to the start of the 2020 season, Lomeli was ranked among D1 Baseball's Analytics: Top 150 (67th) as well as was named to the All-WCC Preseason Team. Redshirt senior Ty Madrigal also turned in an efficient start on Saturday as he went five innings while giving up just two earned runs and five hits. Madrigal also struck out six batters, five of which struck out looking. The Gael pitching staff has also allowed hardly any walks this season as they are ranked second in the conference and 34th in the country for allowing the fewest number of walks per nine innings (2.50).
NO. 10 UCLA
The Bruins are undefeated through the first series of the season as they swept UC Riverside in three games over the weekend. UCLA scored a total of 21 runs compared to three from UC Riverside, including a 9-1 victory over the Highlanders in game two. The team also completed a 10-1 rout of LMU on Tuesday after holding the Lions to just two hits total. The Bruins opened their season at home to begin a nine-game homestand and the team won't go on the road until February 28. UCLA ended the 2019 season with a record of 52-11 (24-5 Pac-12) which secured them first place in the Pac-12 conference. The Bruins also secured the National Title in 2013 following a 49-17 record and wins over LSU, North Carolina State, North Carolina, and Mississippi State in the College World Series. The team has posted three consecutive winning seasons since 2017 and has only recorded two losing seasons since 2010.
Sophomore Matt McLain is leading the way for the Bruins this season as he has already recorded eight hits, two home runs, and eight RBIs through the first four games. His .533 batting average is highest on the team, as well as ranked eighth in the conference while his 1.000 slugging percentage is a club-best and ranked fifth in the Pac-12. Freshman teammate Michael Curialle has also posted two home runs on the season which creates a six-way tie for first in the conference in home runs on the season. On the mound, sophomore Jesse Bergin has been the most efficient starter for UCLA this season as he has allowed just two hits through five innings while striking out nine batters and holding opposing hitters to a .111 batting average. Junior Michael Townsend has made the most appearances so far for the Bruins (3) and has yet to allow a hit from opposing batters.
