It’s been a decade since Maryland and UCLA last faced each other in what remains one of the most historic weekends in Dirty Terps history. 

The last time the two teams met was in the 2015 Los Angeles Regional, with the Bruins — ranked No. 1 at the time — playing host that weekend. Yet, despite UCLA’s prestigious ranking, Maryland pulled the upset. The Terps defeated the hosting Bruins twice en route to a monumental regional victory.  

But the series changes coasts this weekend. 

UCLA is coming to Bob “Turtle” Smith Stadium for the first time ever in its Big Ten debut. The Bruins bring momentum with them as well. 

Earlier this week UCLA defeated Michigan 22-5, scoring its most runs in a single game since a wild win over Oregon State in the 2022 Pac-12 tournament. 

Though, Maryland (7-5) enters the weekend with positive energy too. The Terps beat JMU on Tuesday in their second home game of the season. 

This weekend’s set will be the Terps’ first conference and home series of the year.

UCLA Bruins (10-3)

Last Season

UCLA’s last season in the Pac-12 was drastically unsuccessful — especially compared to some of the campaigns that came before it. The Bruins won 40 games and made a regional final in 2022, but the 2024 campaign was a far cry from that.

Going 19-33 overall, the Bruins suffered most of their losses in away games to the tune of a .166 win rate on the road. However, they actually finished a respectable 15-11 when competing at Jackie Robinson Stadium. 

This Season

UCLA has turned the page since joining the Big Ten this season. So far, the Bruins have been a successful 8-2 when playing at home. They’ve only played one road game so far, though, which resulted in a loss. 

But, with UCLA’s midweek win over Michigan not counting towards either team’s conference record, this weekend will serve as the Bruins’ first true road and conference test. 

Nevertheless, a much-improved UCLA squad is already over halfway to last year’s win total, and the Bruins have plenty to look forward to as they open a new chapter in the now coast-to-coast conference. 

Hitters to Watch

Sophomore Cashel Dugger has been a consistent force in the Bruins’ lineup this season. The UCLA catcher sports a team-leading .346 batting average. He’s also scored four runs while slugging one homer so far this season. 

Following right behind Dugger, shortstop Roch Cholowsky currently holds a .326 batting average. Cholowsky was one of the three Bruins to receive a Pac-12 honorable mention at the end of last season. He also falls second to outfielder Dean West in runs scored. West leads the Bruins with 17, while Cholowsky is close second with 16. 

Pitchers to Watch

Standing at 6-foot-4, sophomore Luke Rodriguez has been an imposing force out of the Bruins’ bullpen this season. Rodriguez surrendered his first run of the season this past Tuesday in his fifth appearance of the year. He currently totes an impressive 0.63 ERA — 0.43 points lower than Maryland team leader Kyle McCoy — which puts him in the upper echelon of Division 1 pitchers. 

Freshman Wylan Moss, who started UCLA’s most recent game against Michigan, has a 3.21 ERA and leads the team with 20 strikeouts. Moss is certainly available this weekend, after tossing just 40 pitches in Tuesday’s midweek. 

Ian May, UCLA’s probable starting pitcher for Saturday’s game, was named All-Pac 12 team at the end of last season. He holds a 3.38 ERA so far this campaign.

Probable Starters

Friday (3/7): Kyle McCoy vs. Cody Delvecchio

Saturday (3/8): Logan Hastings vs. Ian May

Sunday (3/9): Joey McMannis vs. Landon Stump

Other Notable Points

Sophomore Chris Hacopian is still considered day-to-day with a minor injury he sustained down in Winston-Salem last weekend. The team is optimistic about his chances of returning this weekend.  

Sophomore right-hander Joey McMannis exited last Saturday’s start against Wake Forest with an injury. His scheduled start this Sunday suggests that it wasn’t a serious setback.