Los Angeles, Calif. — Following a controversial 4-2 tough opening day loss to a battle-tested and nationally-ranked UCLA team on Friday, February 14, the UC Riverside Highlanders returned to Jackie Robinson Stadium for game two of a three-game set with the top-10 ranked Bruins, only to fall 9-1 on Saturday afternoon, February 15.

UCR Starting pitcher Zach Jacobs gave up three runs in the first inning, but along with the Highlanders defense, he settled in and held the highly-touted UCLA club scoreless through the next three innings before a solo Bruin crossed the plate for the team's fourth run of the game in the bottom of the fifth. This would prove to be all of the Bruins scoring until that fateful eighth when they erupted for five more runs. 

Despite the eight-run differential, the Highlanders only trailed 4-1 through 8 1/2 innings before giving up five runs in the bottom of the eighth. The separation proved to be too much for UCR as the team was unable to close the gap in the top of the ninth. UCR finished with one run on three hits and one error, while the Bruins scored nine on 11 hits and no errors.

However, the resulting 9-1 loss did not dampen the team's attitude and approach to the 2020 season and a tough non-conference schedule. The resilience, grit and determination the young squad is showing is evident and with continued strong defensive play and a smart offensive approach combined with the return of two of its key starting pitchers to round out the rotation along with a key closer, the road ahead is promising. 

The two teams return to action to close out the three-game set in Los Angeles, tomorrow, Sunday, February 16 at 1 p.m.