Overview
- UCLA edged Rutgers 4-1 in 14 innings to open the series, pushing its win streak to 25 and moving to 31-2 while staying unbeaten in conference play.
- Junior right-hander Logan Reddemann struck out 18 over eight innings, matching Rob Henkel’s 2000 UCLA single-game record and allowing two hits and one run.
- Four Bruins pitchers combined for 30 strikeouts, with Zach Strickland fanning seven in three scoreless innings and Easton Hawk striking out the side in the 14th for the save.
- The tie broke in the 14th when a fielder’s choice brought in the go-ahead run before Aidan Espinoza delivered a two-run pinch-hit single.
- The road win in Piscataway came in a tight, low-hit game as UCLA’s staff held Rutgers to four hits, with Game 2 scheduled for Saturday at noon PT.