Bruins Explode for Nine-Run First Inning in Rout of Anteaters
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (03/10/2026) — The UCLA Bruins left no doubt on Tuesday, unleashing a nine-run first-inning offensive assault to secure a dominant 11-1 victory over the UC Irvine Anteaters at Jackie Robinson Stadium.
From the first pitch, the Bruins' offense was relentless, effectively putting the game out of reach before UC Irvine could record three outs. The victory marked a powerful non-conference statement for UCLA, built on timely hitting and overwhelming power early in the contest. The game was never in question, as UCLA never trailed and the score was never tied after the Bruins came to the plate.
How It Happened
The game was decided in the bottom of the first inning. UCLA loaded the bases quickly, and with two runners on, Phoenix Call singled through the right side, scoring both Daylen Cholowsky and Duce Gourson to open the scoring. The early 2-0 lead was just the beginning of the onslaught.
Following the initial runs, the floodgates opened. Cody Schrier followed with a towering home run to left field, a grand slam that brought home three teammates and blew the game open at 6-0. The Bruins continued to pile on, capitalizing on every opportunity. Later in the same inning, Roch Cholowsky delivered the knockout blow, launching a three-run home run to left field that pushed the lead to a staggering 9-0.
UCLA added another run in the second inning when Jarrod Hocking scored on an RBI single from Phoenix Call, extending the advantage to 10-0. The Bruins' offense methodically built its lead, ensuring any comeback attempt would be insurmountable.
UC Irvine finally broke through in the top of the fourth inning. With the bases loaded, Myles Smith drew a walk, forcing in a run to make the score 10-1 and avoiding the shutout. However, the Bruins immediately answered in the bottom of the frame when Roch Cholowsky lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring a runner from third and establishing the final 11-1 margin.
Turning Point
The clear turning point occurred during the first-inning eruption. While Phoenix Call's initial two-RBI single set the tone, it was Cody Schrier’s grand slam that transformed the game from a good start into a commanding rout. The four-run blast instantly demoralized the Anteaters' pitching and defense while igniting the Bruins' dugout. Cholowsky's subsequent three-run homer served as the final exclamation point on an inning that completely dictated the outcome of the game.
Star Performers
While several Bruins had standout offensive days, the power display from Cody Schrier and Roch Cholowsky was central to the victory. Schrier’s grand slam in the first inning provided the game's biggest offensive moment, instantly creating a six-run cushion. Not to be outdone, Cholowsky contributed significantly with his three-run homer in the first and an RBI sacrifice fly in the fourth, accounting for four of UCLA's runs on his own.
What It Means
For the UCLA Bruins, this win is a powerful demonstration of their lineup's potential. An offensive explosion of this magnitude serves as a major confidence booster and sends a message about their ability to score in bunches. It's a key non-conference victory that builds momentum as the season progresses.
For the UC Irvine Anteaters, the loss is a difficult one to absorb. The inability to stop the bleeding in the first inning proved fatal. The Anteaters will need to quickly flush this performance, particularly on the mound, and refocus as they move forward. The lone run scored in the fourth showed some resilience, but the early deficit was far too great to overcome against a quality opponent like UCLA.