PISCATAWAY, N.J. — No. 1 UCLA beat Rutgers 7–1 on Saturday at Bainton Field, improving to 32–2 overall and 17–0 in Big Ten play while extending its winning streak to 26 games.
The Bruins secured their sixth straight conference series one day after a 14-inning win over the Scarlet Knights.
Power Breaks It Open
UCLA put the game away in the fifth inning.
Will Gasparino hit a two-run homer to left, and Cashel Dugger followed with a solo shot on the next at-bat. Mulivai Levu added a solo home run in the eighth as UCLA finished with three homers and 12 hits.
Eight of nine Bruins starters recorded a hit.
Barnett Sets the Tone
Michael Barnett improved to 6–0 after allowing one run on two hits over five innings. He struck out a season-high seven.
Wylan Moss and Ian May covered the final four innings without allowing a run, limiting Rutgers the rest of the way.
“We’re Just Stacking Days”
UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky kept the focus simple postgame.
“We’re not really chasing win streaks. We’re just coming to the field every day trying to win that day and do whatever it takes.”
That approach has shown up in the results. UCLA has won 26 straight, but inside the clubhouse, the focus hasn’t changed.
“It’s a good number that we’re at, but it’s not what we’re chasing.”
The Bruins’ depth was on display again Saturday, with contributions throughout the lineup.
“Our lineup’s good one through nine. Someone’s going to step up that day — it’s just a matter of who it is.”
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That same consistency extends to the mound, where UCLA’s pitching staff continues to limit damage and control games.
“We know we can play good defense behind them, scratch a couple runs, and win a few innings.”
Under head coach John Savage, that daily approach has become the program’s identity.
“He gets us more prepared than anybody in the country. He does a great job getting us ready for the weekend.”
https://worldbaseball.com/ucla-extends-historic-streak-to-26-powers-past-rutgers-7-1-after-14-inning-marathon/
Rutgers Gets One Back, But No More
Rutgers cut the deficit to 2–1 in the third inning on Chase Krewson’s solo home run.
That was the Scarlet Knights’ only run.
UCLA answered with its three-run fifth and never let the game tighten again. Rutgers finished with five hits.
A Regional Matchup With Different Pipelines
From a World Baseball Network perspective, the series highlights two very different roster models.
Rutgers draws heavily from the Northeast, with a roster built around players from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. UCLA is built primarily from California talent, with additional contributions from outside the state, including Colorado native Cashel Dugger and Mulivai Levu, whose background reflects another important baseball pipeline WBN tracks.
Through two games, UCLA’s depth and reach have shown.
What’s Next
The series finale is set for Sunday as UCLA looks to complete the road sweep.
- Matchup: UCLA at Rutgers
- Date: Sunday, April 12
- Time: 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT
- Watch: B1G+
After a 14-inning battle and a 7–1 statement, the final game presents Rutgers with one last chance — and UCLA with another opportunity to extend one of the most dominant stretches in the sport.
UCLA’s Ian May rounds third base during the Bruins’ 7–1 win over Rutgers at Bainton Field. (Photo by Jeff Rebello/UCLA Athletics)
Cashel Dugger (40) smiles rounding the bases after his home run against Rutgers. (Photo by Jeff Rebello/UCLA Athletics)
Will Gasparino (9) celebrates with a teammate after scoring during UCLA’s win over Rutgers. (Photo by Jeff Rebello/UCLA Athletics)
UCLA players celebrate at home plate during a 7–1 victory over Rutgers. (Photo by Jeff Rebello/UCLA Athletics)
Will Gasparino celebrates in the dugout after scoring against Rutgers. (Photo by Jeff Rebello/UCLA Athletics)
Michael Barnett (55) delivers a pitch during UCLA’s win over Rutgers. (Photo by Jeff Rebello/UCLA Athletics)
Michael Barnett greets his catcher following UCLA’s 7–1 victory. (Photo by Jeff Rebello/UCLA Athletics)
Cashel Dugger rounds the bases after his home run against Rutgers. (Photo by Jeff Rebello/UCLA Athletics)
