Carson Yates' late homer sends UCLA into Auburn Regional final
Two home runs and strong defense helped UCLA past Florida State Sunday in a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair. With the win, the Bruins advanced to the Auburn Regional final.
After falling to the Seminoles 5-3 on Friday, UCLA has only allowed three runs across its plate in the 18 innings of play since. Two solo shots, one from Carson Yates in the ninth inning, were enough to give the Bruins their 40th win of the season.
T9 | HAVE A WEEKEND, CARSON YATES!
Carson's solo shot, his third HR of the regional, gives the Bruins the ninth-inning lead.
UCLA 2, FSU 1
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📲 | https://t.co/sk6tmI94K0#GoBruins | @Carsonyates16 pic.twitter.com/Tv0g2IhDqE— UCLA Baseball (@UCLABaseball) June 5, 2022
Bruins’ closer Alonzo Tredwell picked up the victory, holding the Seminoles scoreless over the final two innings of the game. Kelly Austin drew the start for UCLA, limiting Florida State (34-25) to one run and six hits through six innings. Austin registered six strikeouts and no walks.
Florida State reliever Davis Hare (1-4) was handed the loss, allowing one run and three hits in just one inning and a third. FSU’s starter, Jonah Scolaro, had it working through his first six innings, allowing just three hits. He struck out nine before UCLA finally caught up to begin the seventh.
The first run of the day came in the bottom of the sixth, a solo shot from Florida State. UCLA’s Kyle Karros answered immediately in the top of the seventh, leading off the inning with a home run to left-center field on the first pitch of the at-bat. Karros’ game-tying blast marked his sixth home run of the season.
Yates’ shot in the ninth—his third home run of the regional—was the difference.
In order for the Bruins to to advance, they’ll need to beat Auburn twice. The two sides will face off Sunday evening at 4 p.m. PT with UCLA hoping to force a winner-take-all contest on Monday. Auburn advances to the Supers with a win over UCLA Sunday night.