Dean West's grand slam solidifies UCLA comeback over Oregon in series finale

TL;DR

UCLA Bruins defeated Oregon Ducks 9-6 in a thrilling series finale, thanks to Dean West's eighth-inning grand slam. The Bruins overcame a 6-1 deficit to secure the victory.

Key points

UCLA Bruins won 9-6 against Oregon Ducks
Dean West hit a grand slam in the eighth inning
UCLA overcame a 6-1 deficit

UCLA BruinsOregon DucksDean West

UCLA Bruins outfielder Dean West (36) reacts after completing a base hit during an NCAA baseball game between University of Southern California and University of California Los Angeles on Friday, April 3, 2026 at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles Calif

(Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune)

The No. 1 UCLA Bruins rallied in the late end of Sunday's matchup against the Oregon Ducks to win the series finale 9-6.

UCLA's left fielder Dean West secured the lead in the eighth inning with a booming two-out grand slam to right-center field. This came after UCLA spent the prior three innings chipping away at Oregon's 6-1 lead going into the sixth inning.

Momentum was held by Oregon until UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky knocked his 21st home run of the season to left field, his third of the series. This prompted Oregon to reach into their bullpen to replace starting pitcher Miles Gosztola, who dominated the afternoon with nine strikeouts in 5.1 innings pitched.

Cholowsky also singled in the seventh inning to drive in a run and adjust the score to 6-4. The Bruins began to show signs of an offensive push, to which they have displayed all season.

With runners on first and third in the eighth inning, UCLA pinch hitter Aidan Espinoza dropped an RBI single to shallow left field that cut Oregon's lead to one.

The Ducks brought reliever Tanner Bradley in to face the Bruins' pinch hitter Phoenix Call. Bradley hit Call in the leg with his first pitch to load the bases for West.

On a 1-1 pitch, West drove a ball up and in toward the scoreboard in right-center field for a grand slam. Fans in Jackie Robinson Stadium roared as UCLA took the lead 9-6, which was ultimately too timely for Oregon to respond.

UCLA closer Easton Hawk took the mound in the ninth inning. Hawk retired three-straight Oregon batters to earn his 13th save of the season and finish the series with a UCLA victory.

West's grand slam was one of several significant plays he made in the day. West made a leaping grab over the left field fence to rob Oregon second baseman Ryan Cooney of a grand slam in the fourth inning. He finished the afternoon 4-5 at the plate with two runs and four RBIs.

Q&A

What did Dean West achieve in the game against Oregon?

Dean West hit a two-out grand slam in the eighth inning, which helped UCLA take the lead and ultimately win the game.

How did UCLA Bruins come back to win against Oregon?

UCLA rallied from a 6-1 deficit, scoring multiple runs in the later innings, culminating in Dean West's grand slam.

What was the final score of the UCLA vs. Oregon baseball game?

The final score was UCLA Bruins 9, Oregon Ducks 6.