UCLA Blanks Washington

Photo is courtesy of UCLA.

SEATTLE, Wash. – The UCLA Bruins earned a, 1-0, shutout victory over the Washington Huskies behind a complete game from Griffin Canning on Friday evening at Husky Ballpark. This marks the second consecutive complete game for Canning.

Canning (4-4) was spectacular, going all nine innings with 10 strikeouts and just one walk to earn the win. The sophomore right-hander allowed just six hits and held the Washington three and four hitters to an 0-for-8 line with seven strikeouts. Canning becomes the first UCLA pitcher to throw consecutive complete games since Trevor Bauer threw nine consecutive complete games in 2011.
Washington starter Noah Bremer (4-2) received the loss despite also throwing a complete game. Bremer allowed one run on six hits in his nine innings of work.

The Bruins racked up six hits in the win, led by Brett Stephens (2-for-4, 2 2B, R) and Sean Bouchard (2-for-4) who each had a pair of hits.

The game was a true pitcher’s duel throughout with both team’s starters dominating the early run of play. The Bruins and Huskies managed just six hits through the first five innings.

UCLA (15-16, 6-7) finally scratched first with a run in the sixth to take the game’s opening lead. With one out, Stephens doubled, Kort Peterson was walked and Bouchard singled to load up the bases. Right-fielder Eric Filia then sent a deep sac-fly to right field to drive a run in and give the Bruins a 1-0 lead.

Utah (17-12, 7-6) continued to be stifled as that lone run would hold up behind Canning’s continued brilliance over the final four innings. Overall, Canning allowed just two runners to reach third base and finished with the second-highest strikeout total of his career.

Notes: Griffin Canning has lasted at least eight innings in four of his nine starts, recording two complete games…Canning has 61 strikeouts this season, just six behind Pac-12 leader Jayson Rose (Utah)…Sean Bouchard has recorded multiple hits in 11 of his last 17 games…Eric Filia has reached base in 30 of 31 games this season…Brett Stephens recorded his third career game with two doubles, tying a career-high…Head Coach John Savage is now three wins away from 500 career wins as a head coach…The Bruins have gone 24-4 since 2007 against Washington.