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Wednesday, May 1, 1996

Toreros blanked at home as Bruins end three-game slideBy Brian Purcell

Daily Bruin Contributor

The 20th ranked UCLA baseball team got all the runs they needed on Eric Valent's first inning three-run home run, as they cruised to a 6-0 victory over the San Diego Toreros on Tuesday.

Valent had two base hits in addition to his 10th home run of the year, and junior second baseman Chad Matoian also had three hits for the Bruins in their thrashing of the Toreros. Matoian's three-for-four, two-RBI performance gives him fourteen hits in his last four games.

Junior left-hander Ryan Lynch (1-2) started on the mound for the Bruins, and he stymied the Toreros by holding them to only five hits over seven innings. Lynch had been struggling with arm problems for much of the year, so his possible resurgence should breed optimism for the Bruins who will need strong arms for the stretch run.

The win moves UCLA's overall record to 29-20 and is another step towards assuring itself a spot in the NCAA regionals.

The win broke the Bruins' three-game losing streak, and they hope to continue their winning ways tomorrow when they travel across town to take on San Diego State in a 5:00 p.m. start.

This game will mark sophomore Pete Zamora's return to the mound. The Bruin hurler had been suspended for four games as a result of his April 21st beaning of Arizona State's Mikel Moreno. Zamora has been a solid as a starter for the Bruins all season, posting a 5-0 record in addition to starting at first base when not on the hill.

The last time that the Bruins and Aztecs met, the Aztecs pulled out an 8-7 victory, despite four home runs by the Bruins, including two by sophomore third baseman Troy Glaus.

Teams have been pitching around Glaus of late, refusing to allow him to be the one to do damage. Glaus was one-for-two against the Toreros on Tuesday, and also had three walks.

PATRICK LAM/Daily Bruin

Brett Nista