UCLA Recalls Past in Bid to Stay Alive

OMAHA, Neb. — A positive spin on UCLA’s plight at the College World Series: Losing a first-round game in the postseason has motivated the Bruins in the recent past.

“Remember, we lost to Harvard [in the first round of the Midwest Regional], and we came back from that,” right fielder Eric Byrnes said. “We’re used to having our backs against the wall. It’s like we need that jolt.”

UCLA and Mississippi State, the Bruins’ opponent today at Rosenblatt Stadium, are up against it because a loss means a trip home from the double-elimination tournament. To reach Saturday’s finals, UCLA will have to win four games in five days.

On Sunday, the Bruins had a light practice, which included a home run derby. Afterward, the UCLA players went to a local golf course and had driving and putting contests.

“I think we’re still positive,” shortstop Troy Glaus said. “We have to battle, but we’ve been in that position before.”

Having to use five pitchers in Saturday’s 7-3 loss to Miami, including No. 2 starter Tom Jacquez, means UCLA is left with junior left-hander Peter Zamora or sophomore Dan Keller to chose from today.

But Coach Gary Adams hinted that Zamora, because of his experience, is the likely starter. Zamora (6-2, 5.17 earned-run average) has started eight more games than Keller this season.

Chris Reinike will start for Mississippi State. The sophomore right-hander is 3-3 with a 4.90 ERA.