UCLA Veterans Share How Team Culture Fuels Baseball Triumphs

UCLA Baseball Team Achieves Historic Success as Regular Season Concludes

The UCLA Bruins baseball team is experiencing an impressive season, marking a standout moment in its history. With a record of 45-6 overall and 24-2 in the Big Ten, the Bruins have become the first team in the program’s history to surpass 40 wins within 44 games, achieving a commendable 25-6 record at home.

On May 1, UCLA clinched the Big Ten Conference regular season championship after a successful series against Michigan State. The team is set to play one more series against Washington before entering the Big Ten tournament.

During their final homestand, the Bruins faced No. 13 Oregon, concluding with a series victory. They secured an 11-1 win in the opening game, experienced a 9-6 loss on Saturday, and rebounded with a decisive 9-6 win on Sunday, highlighted by outfielder Dean West’s game-winning grand slam.

UCLA’s roster includes 17 upperclassmen, seven of whom will depart after this season. Senior Payton Brennan emphasized the importance of mentorship, stating, “We’re a tight team, so we all talk together and we’re older guys just trying to pass them what we know so they can build the culture next season.”

Head coach John Savage has steered the Bruins to three consecutive seasons of 40 or more wins, attributing their success to a strong team culture. He expressed pride in the seniors who have remained with the program for four years, especially during times when they faced limited playing time.

Savage noted that while the team includes standout players like Roch Cholowsky—regarded as a potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming MLB draft—success cannot be attributed to any single player. Sophomore pitcher Wylan Moss has also shown tremendous growth; following an injury to a fellow pitcher, Moss seized the opportunity to shine.

“[Savage] talks about not pitching as much to start the season, but I think the big part of this program is just knowing your role and owning your role,” Moss said. Currently, he boasts a 5-0 record with a 1.99 ERA over 13 starts. Following the recent win against Oregon, Savage praised Moss, stating, “[Moss] went to a different level this Friday against one of the top 15 teams… It was a big step for him.”

The Bruins’ recent defeat ended a remarkable 25-game home winning streak. Amid the pressures of high expectations, Moss highlighted the importance of maintaining focus, noting, “That was a point of emphasis. Was just staying present. Being where our feet are and approaching every game just one at a time.”

The upperclassmen continue to cultivate a resilient team culture, preparing the team for the challenges ahead. Junior first baseman Mulivai Levu has played a significant role in this effort.

UCLA Softball Eyes Championship at Home

The UCLA softball team has secured the No. 8 national seed, allowing them to host an NCAA Regional from Friday through Sunday. Joining the Bruins in their regional pool are California Baptist, Cal State Fullerton, and South Carolina.

The postseason brings its own set of milestones. Senior Megan Grant recently achieved her 38th home run of the season in a Big Ten tournament title game against Nebraska, breaking the NCAA Division I record previously set by Arizona’s Lauren Espinoza in 1995. Grant is currently in a race for the home-run title with Oklahoma freshman Kendall Wells, who has hit 36 home runs.

The schedule for the Los Angeles Regional is as follows:

FRIDAY

• Game 1: 4:30 p.m. | No. 7 South Carolina vs. Cal State Fullerton | ESPN+
• Game 2: 7 p.m. | No. 2 UCLA vs. California Baptist | ESPN2

SATURDAY

• Game 3: 2 p.m. | Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2
• Game 4: 4:30 p.m. | Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2
• Game 5: 7 p.m. | Winner of Game 4 vs. Loser of Game 3

SUNDAY

• Game 6: 4:30 p.m. | Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5
• Game 7 (if necessary): 7 p.m. | Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5

Recent Highlights

In case you missed it, Grant’s record-breaking home run and the Bruins’ journey throughout the tournament continue to draw attention, showcasing the team’s competitive spirit and commitment to excellence.