UCLA Beats Stony Brook 9-1 In College World Series Opener
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Adam Plutko turned in a third straight strong start and UCLA jumped on College World Series newcomer Stony Brook for five runs in the first inning on its way to a 9-1 victory in Friday's opener.
The No. 2 national seed Bruins (48-14) sent 10 batters to the plate in the first against Tyler Johnson (12-2), who allowed a season-high seven runs in 2 1-3 innings. Jeff Gelalich's bases-loaded single opened the scoring, and Kevin Williams' two-run double off Jasvir Rakkar in the third made it 7-1.
Pat Cantwell's homer accounted for Stony Brook's only run off Plutko (12-3), who allowed five hits and struck out seven in seven innings.
Plutko has given up three runs and 14 hits in 23 postseason innings.
Stony Brook (52-14) has staved off elimination five times in the NCAA tournament and will have to again Sunday to extend its stay in Omaha.