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UCLA pitcher Hector Ambriz will attempt to put an end to UCLA’s 18-game losing streak today

The UCLA baseball team’s 18-game losing streak has been noteworthy for some time now, and every additional loss heaps more attention on the situation. The Bruins (7-22, 0-6 Pac-10) have thus gained notoriety of the kind they very much would rather not have going into their weekend series against UC Santa Barbara. But unfortunately for them, whether or not they right the ship and finish the year respectably, the Bruins will likely be remembered mainly for their ignominious streak. Spinning the streak into a positive at this point seems to require more than just optimism. Still, UCLA coach John Savage is trying to point to some practical, though hard to swallow, reasons why the losing can help in the long run. “I’m seeing a lot of things from the players in the long run in evaluating them,” Savage said. “I’m seeing how guys react and how they deal with adversity. It’s an ongoing process.” Throughout Savage’s career, he has done little else but win. That goes for most of the players in their high school careers as well. Thus, the adjustment to constant losing has been difficult. Tuesday, Savage was disappointed in the team’s lack of focus against Loyola Marymount and expressed the impression that his team was unready to play. “If we get outplayed or out-pitched, I’m OK with it,” Savage said. “We have to come out Friday (against UC Santa Barbara) with much more sense of urgency and an attitude that we’re going to win.” As in many other areas in life, the bad times can make one that much more grateful when the good times eventually roll around. “I’ve never experienced anything like this,” Savage said. “Just going through this is going to make me a better coach.”

OFFENSIVE LOWS & HIGHS: The Bruins have scored just six runs in the last seven games. And over the 18-game losing streak, they have averaged just under three runs a game. This season, UCLA ranks last in the Pac-10 in all of the major offensive categories. Still, not all Bruins are having bad years at the plate. First baseman Brett McMillan’s 20 runs and five home runs lead the team, but the rest of the team has only totaled four round trippers. Shortstop Tommy Lansdon has made a smooth transition from junior college to the Pac-10, posting a .340 average this year, second highest on the team. Designated hitter/pitcher Hector Ambriz has not slowed down after a hot start, ranking ninth in the conference in batting average at .372 and reaching base in nearly half of his plate appearances. Left fielder Will Penniall has embraced the lead-off spot, pacing the team with 34 hits and 10 steals.

ROTATION: Hector Ambriz (2-3), who has been battling knee trouble of late, will reassume his Friday starting spot against the Gauchos and will be followed by hard-luck Bryan Beck (0-6). “We really want to get back to Ambriz and Beck, and either Brian Schroeder or Brant Rustich Sunday,” Savage said. “When you’re in a streak like we are, we’re trying to get back in a routine.”

NEW ADDITION: Jermaine Curtis, a senior shortstop from Fontana, signed a national letter of intent to play at UCLA beginning in the fall of 2005. The right-handed hitting infielder hit .579 with 12 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 12 RBI as a junior. This season as a senior, Curtis is currently leading his team in average (.491) and home runs (four) and is third on the squad with 17 RBI after 15 games. Curtis becomes the 13th player to sign an NLI under first-year coach Savage.