April 3, 1998

LOS ANGELES- Freshman Garrett Atkins collected three hits, including a three-run home run in the third inning to help lead UCLA to a 15-5 victory over California on Friday evening at Jackie Robinson Stadium.

Redshirt freshman Paul Diaz made his second consecutive opening game start in league play for UCLA and pitched very well, allowing just two earned runs in 6.1 innings to earn his first collegiate win. It marked the 13th consecutive league game a freshman has started on the mound for UCLA.

After California scored two runs in the first inning on RBI-singles by junior Jason Hill and senior Aaron Gordnier, UCLA scored 13 unanswered runs over the next three innings. Senior Nick Theodorou (single, walk, single), Atkins (walk, single, home run) and freshman Chase Utley (three singles, run scored) reached base safely in each of the first three innings of the game. Theodorou and Atkins scored all three times.

Senior Matt Klein came on for Diaz in the seventh inning and pitched 2.2 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and no walks.

Atkins went 3-4 with a home run, four runs batted in, three runs scored and a walk to lead UCLA. Theodorou added three hits in five at bats.

Hill went 3-3 with two runs batted in, two runs scored and a double to lead California.

   
California  200 003 000     5   12  2
UCLA        535 000 02X     15  18  2
California: Drese, Vorhis (3) and Hill, Tonis (6)
UCLA: Diaz, Klein (7) and Green, Johnson (9)
Winning Pitcher: Paul Diaz (1-1)   Losing Pitcher: Ryan Drese (0-5) 
HR: UCLA - Atkins (3)