By J.Y. Mortimer

OMAHA, Neb. – UCLA opened its Men’s College World Series campaign with a hard-fought 6-4 victory over Murray State on Saturday afternoon at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.

With the win, the Bruins (48-16) move into the winner’s bracket, where they will face the victor of the LSU-Arkansas matchup on Saturday night.

Leadoff hitter Dean West set the tone for UCLA’s offense, delivering a 2-for-4 performance while scoring twice and driving in a run to account for three of the Bruins’ six runs. West also drew his team-leading 45th walk of the season, reaching base three times in the game. His impact wasn’t limited to the plate, as he made an impact on the defensive end with a crucial diving grab in the fifth to prevent a run.

For the ninth, John Savage turned to freshman right-hander Easton Hawk, who showcased his dominant stuff by striking out two in a perfect inning to lock down his eighth save of the season.

UCLA now awaits the winner of LSU and Arkansas in the winner’s bracket. The next game is set for Monday, June 16 at 4 p.m. PT (6 p.m. CT) on ESPN.

COURTESY UCLA ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS