This post was updated April 27 at 10:48 p.m.
Just as junior infielder Daylen Reyes returns to the lineup, one of the Bruins’ preseason All-Americans is the latest to be out of action.
The injury bug bit UCLA baseball (23-13-1, 9-7-1 Pac-12) again, and its latest victim is sophomore shortstop Cody Schrier. Coach John Savage said Schrier underwent surgery on his left labrum Wednesday, throwing a wrench into the team’s long-term outlook ahead of a weekend clash away at No. 8 Stanford (26-12, 13-5).
Sophomore infielder Duce Gourson shifted around the dirt this year, moonlighting at third base and shortstop when his teammate’s injuries forced him away from his natural position of second base. However, with junior Kyle Karros back at third base, Reyes at second and Gourson at short, the trio has committed just one error since Schrier’s last appearance almost two weeks ago.
Karros said no matter what position the team is in, consecutive victories can help it mentally in the final weeks of the regular season.
“Every win, we can use it and use the momentum that comes with it,” Karros said. “Hopefully, (we) get hot near and down the stretch.”
Since returning to the lineup from an ankle sprain, Karros has reached base in eight of the 11 games he has played in and collected eight RBIs in the same span.
On Tuesday night, Karros hit his first home run since March 11, a glimpse of the power shown before the three-hole hitter’s injury. Savage credited Karros’ approach at the plate for generating energy throughout the team.
“It set the tone,” Savage said. “Really good at-bats got us on the board early, and I just think we build off that.”
Half a game out of first place, Stanford presents UCLA with a different challenge than its recent midweek Southern California foes. The Cardinal possess the third-best batting average in the conference compared to the Bruins’ second-worst.
But UCLA can make up that difference on the mound. Almost two full points separate the Bruins’ 3.57 team earned run average and their opponent’s 5.33 mark.
Sophomore right-hander Nate Leibold said despite dropping a series to USC, the pitching staff is ready for the series ahead at Sunken Diamond.
“I think the team morale has been really good,” Leibold said. “Unfortunately, when we lost to USC – it sucks to lose, but I think it’s a huge step in the right direction. And going up against Stanford is going to be a battle this weekend, but I think we’re really prepared for it.”
Coming off the longest and most successful outing of his career Tuesday – with 2.1 scoreless frames and his first victory – Leibold added that the Bruins need to focus on the details to come out of Palo Alto triumphant.
“I think we’re going to focus on the small things because that’s really what wins you games,” Leibold said. “Just stick to the basics because when you do that, it puts you in the best position to win games. Just don’t beat yourself.”
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