The UCLA Bruins saw their historic campaign come to an abrupt close on Saturday night, dropping a 6‑5 decision to the Saint Mary’s Gaels in a ten‑inning showdown that left the Los Angeles crowd on edge.
A Narrow Defeat in Ten Innings
UCLA had jumped out to a 3‑0 lead early, highlighted by a solo homer from Dean West in the fifth, but the Gaels answered back, tying the game in the ninth on an Ian Armstrong single that plated the tying run.
The deadlock was broken in the tenth when Makoa Sniffen delivered a walk‑off RBI single, sealing a dramatic victory for Saint Mary’s and sending the Bruins home.
Despite the loss, UCLA’s pitching ace Angel Cervantes turned in a career‑high performance, logging a career‑best in strikeouts, innings pitched and total pitches thrown, underscoring his durability on the mound.
The Bruins finished the season with a school‑record‑tying 52 wins, a milestone that will be remembered alongside standout performances from Jacob Johnson, whose third home run of the weekend off UCLA’s staff highlighted the Gaels’ offensive onslaught.
Looking ahead, Saint Mary’s will meet Cal Poly next in a bid to force a winner‑take‑all contest, while the Bruins’ coaching staff and players will reflect on a season that exceeded expectations.