UC San Diego baseball started their 2026 season with a defeat against No. 1 UCLA, losing 8-4 in their opener at Jackie Robinson Stadium. The Tritons initially led the game 3-0, but a four-run fourth inning from the Bruins turned the tide. J.C. Allen and Trevian Martinez led UCSD offensively, each contributing multiple hits. Despite a strong bullpen performance, the Tritons couldn't close the gap, recording their first loss of the season.

By the Numbers
  • J.C. Allen: 3-for-4 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored.
  • Trevian Martinez: 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs.
  • The Tritons tallied 8 hits, while the Bruins had 7.
  • UCSD issued 10 walks throughout the game.
Yes, But

The Tritons had a promising start but faltered as UCLA escalated their offensive output, demonstrating the disparity in experience and skill level between the two teams. Although the Tritons managed to hold the Bruins scoreless in the final four innings, it was not enough to offset the damage done in earlier frames.

State of Play
  • The Tritons now hold an 0-3 record against UCLA in their all-time series.
  • This loss marks UCSD's first in Division I play this season.
What's Next

The Tritons will face UCLA again on Saturday for the second game of the series, with hopes of bouncing back from this opening loss. The game will be broadcast on B1G+.

Bottom Line

Despite a spirited effort in the early innings and solid performances from key players, the Tritons need to enhance their consistency and minimize errors to improve performance in their upcoming games. The season is still young, and learning experiences from this game could fuel future successes.