Bruins' bats come alive vs. San Jose State

LOS ANGELES >> One day after a dominant pitching performance led UCLA to a run-rule win, the fifth-seeded Bruins came alive in the batter’s box for another shortened victory and a spot in Sunday’s NCAA regional final.

UCLA racked up 13 hits and four home runs in its 10-2, six-inning win over San Jose State on Saturday at Easton Stadium. With one win Sunday, the fifth-seeded Bruins will advance to their fourth straight Super Regional and host the winner of the Oxford Regional, which is hosted by No. 12 Ole Miss.

Head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez praised the team effort Saturday as the Bruins (44-13) cycled through three pitchers, but got big hits up and down the batting order with strong plays on defense. UCLA is rounding into form at the right time with 15 wins in its past 16 games.

“Everyone that’s been there on our team right now is giving everyone confidence on our team to go out there and go for it,” first baseman Madeline Jelenicki said. “You know that if you don’t get it done, the person behind you is going to have your back no matter what.”

Jelenicki, shortstop Delaney Spaulding and third baseman Brianna Tautalafua each hit their second homers of the weekend Saturday. Pitcher Rachel Garcia also added her sixth home run of the year, a solo shot in the fifth inning that came right after Jelenicki’s two-run strike.

In their first two regional wins, the Bruins have seven home runs.

“I think we’re in a very good place right now,” Spaulding said. “We’re kind of just taking it pitch by pitch and that’s something we’ve done all season. But right now, we’re all seeing it well. We’re all just excited to be in postseason and that’s also helping us as well.”

Spaulding has a team-high five RBIs this weekend. The senior from Etiwanda High leads the team with 16 home runs from the leadoff position, setting a good tone for the batters to follow.

“She does a great job of coming back and sharing what she sees,” Jelenicki said of Spaulding’s impact as a leadoff hitter. “She does a great job of being patient so we see a lot of pitches.”

Selina Ta’amilo earned the win in 2 1/3 innings of work, giving up two hits and one earned run with three walks. Johanna Grauer notched her first save of the year, pitching 2 2/3 innings while allowing one hit, one run and two walks with one strikeout. Garcia pitched only one inning in her second consecutive start while giving up one hit and one walk with one strike out.

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UCLA needs just one win in two games Sunday to advance out of the four-team, double-elimination regional tournament and host next weekend’s Super Regional round. The Bruins will get their first attempt at 4 p.m. and another at 6:30 p.m. if necessary.