UCLA Takes the Lead. It's Their Game to Lose
By Adam Aizer - February 10, 2007
"Defense" is what Bruins Coach John Savage responded with when I asked him what his team's strength was. Based on last season's and this season's statistics, it was hard to argue with that. But defense let the Bruins down in the bottom of the eighth when third baseman Nolan Rouse threw wildly to first on Gus Menendez's ground ball.
That was a bad way to start the inning.
After a sacrifice bunt moved Menendez into scoring position, pitcher Brant Rustich was summoned to get out pinch hitter Jason Haggerty and Blake Tekotte. He walked Haggerty and fell behind 3-1 to Tekotte.
Tekotte cracked a ball to the left side of the infield. Against most teams it could have been a hit, or at least a fielder's choice and an RBI. But after all, UCLA's strength is, in fact, defense. Shortstop Brandon Crawford started a gorgeous 6-4-3 double play. The relay throw beat the lightning-quick Tekotte by half a step. Maybe less. End of the inning. Still 6-6.
Doesn't the guy who made the great defensive play always seem to lead off the next inning?
Crawford stepped up to start the ninth against a new pitcher - Anthony Nalepa. One swing of the bat later, it was 7-6 Bruins after Crawford's first home run of the season. That was UCLA's first lead of the series, and two pitchers later it was doubled. Another solo home run, this time by first baseman Tim Stewart.
UCLA leads 8-6. Quite frankly, I'm surprised Jim Morris didn't leave Garcia in to pitch the ninth.
Give credit to UCLA. Down to their last six outs, the Bruins have stormed back to score four runs in the eighth and ninth to take a two run lead.
Going to the bottom of the ninth, Miami needs two runs off of Rustich. They'll have the top of the order due up.
Posted by Adam Aizer at 11:06 PM on February 10, 2007
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