LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Highlanders wrapped up their season opening three-game series against the UCLA Bruins on February 16 at Jackie Robinson Stadium in West Los Angeles. The Highlanders are 0-2 against the ranked Bruins, with a 4-2 loss on opening night and a 9-1 decision on February 15.
 
A strong effort from six members of the Highlanders pitching staff was not enough to overcome UCLA's aggressive offense, with a seven-run deficit in the first three innings putting UCR in a tight spot against a great team out of the gate. 
 
Joey Nicolai would get the first hit on the board for the Highlanders in the fourth inning, smacking a two-out single to right field that would advance Dylan Orick, who was walked on base, to third. A strikeout would prevent UCR from capitalizing on the opportunity. 
 
Travis Bohall would lead off the sixth inning with a single up the middle. Cole Pofek followed him on base after a walk, to once again get two Highlanders on base with one in scoring position. Two ground outs and a strikeout would get the Bruins out of the inning scoreless.
 
The Bruins were able to convert eight hits into eight runs against UCR's defense for a final score of 0-8.
 
Despite the scoreboard, several Highlander arms had strong showings. Riley Ohl threw a strong 1.2 innings, with no hits and two strikeouts in five batters faced. Freshman Connor Martin made his DI debut in the bottom of the fifth to give Ohl a rest, throwing a clean inning. Ohl and Martin would throw UCR's lone pair of three-up three-down innings from the mound. Cole Tucker would be the final Highlander to take the mound this series, throwing two hitless innings with one strikeout in eight batters faced.
 
The Highlanders return to Riverside with an 0-3 start to the season but aren't discouraged having had some strong individual performances against one of the best teams on the West Coast. 
 
Come support the Highlanders at the Riverside Sports Complex at 6 PM on Wednesday, February 19, for their home opener against Seattle University.