No. 1 UCLA baseball leaves Loyola Marymount all wet after sprinkler snafu
A strike away from defeat while facing the nation’s top-ranked college baseball team, Loyola Marymount deployed its only remaining weapon. Sprinklers.
One strike away from defeat while facing the nation’s top-ranked college baseball team, Loyola Marymount deployed its only remaining weapon. Sprinklers. An accidental spray that resulted from a system malfunction was a novel idea Tuesday night but couldn’t dampen dominant UCLA.
After milling about for 30 seconds white waiting for the sprinklers to stop with two out and two strikes in the bottom of the ninth inning, Bruins reliever Justin Lee struck out the final batter on the next pitch. That allowed UCLA to hold on for an 8-4 victory over the Lions at Page Stadium on a night that seven Bruins pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts and no walks. UCLA coach John Savage said he was pleased that his team was able to continue developing players during its final midweek game of the regular season.
Catcher Kasen Khansarinia, who did not start any of his team’s games last weekend, drove in two runs and had a solid game defensively. Second baseman Phoenix Call, who played in just one game last weekend, had two hits. Several relievers who had not been used recently delivered solid outings against the Lions (12-38).
“It’s just about adding pieces to the team,” Savage said, “and making sure you have enough depth and inventory to go down the road. ” Phoenix Call celebrates after ripping a triple during UCLA’s 8-4 win over Loyola Marymount on May 5, 2026 at Page Stadium. @UCLABaseball / X The only thing left to add to the arsenal of what might be the nation’s most complete team is an umbrella.