UCLA baseball staged a dramatic victory over the Oregon Ducks, winning 3-2 in the 11th inning to secure its first Big Ten tournament championship. The win came after second baseman Phoenix Call was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, driving in the game-winning run. Bruins reliever Devin Bell’s inside fastball brushed Call’s shoulder, ending a tense game which had been marked by two prior walk-off victories by UCLA.

A replay review delayed the celebration, but did not overturn the original call. UCLA had battled from a 2-1 deficit in the ninth inning, with designated hitter Aidan Espinoza hitting a crucial single to tie the game. This marked UCLA’s 51st season win and its 10th comeback victory post-sixth inning.

“We’ve been doing it all year, but to do it in this environment, I think it’s really big,” Bruins outfielder Payton Brennan commented. “It’s a team game. We get one guy on, and you just trust the other guy to keep doing the job.” UCLA players celebrated their triumph at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, taking victory over Oregon, which had previously dealt UCLA one of only two season defeats.

However, the victory was marred by an incident involving Will Gasparino, who was ejected after colliding with Ducks third baseman Drew Smith. His aggressive play in the rundown resulted in a suspension for the next game, the NCAA regional contest. “It was an unfortunate play in the heat of the moment,” UCLA manager John Savage said.

Oregon manager Mark Wasikowski expressed concerns over the ruling and suggested the NCAA review its regulations. Gasparino’s absence will impact UCLA, as he has delivered consistently strong performances throughout the season.

Oregon had briefly led after solo home runs by catcher Burke-Lee Mabeus and designated hitter Naulivou Lauaki Jr. in the sixth inning. Bruins starting pitcher Angel Cervantes contributed five scoreless innings, highlighting his decision to attend UCLA over signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates, after being drafted in the second round last year.