LOS ANGELES — Jordan Ortiz's three-run home run in the fifth inning gave LMU a momentary jolt Tuesday night, but the Lions couldn't overcome a seven-run deficit against No. 1 UCLA, falling 8-4 at Page Stadium in a non-conference contest before a Page Stadium record 1,245 fans.
The Bruins (44-4) struck early and never relented. Starter Max Schneider lasted just two-thirds of an inning, surrendering three earned runs on a walk, a hit-by-pitch and a chaotic sequence that included three wild pitches before giving way to Alec Johnson. By the time Trey Gudoy singled through the left side to score Roman Martin and cap the inning, UCLA led 3-0 without LMU recording a meaningful out. Roman Martin's RBI double in the second pushed the deficit to 4-0.
LMU (12-38) scratched its first run across in the bottom of the second when Zach Wadas singled to right and advanced to second on an error, eventually scoring on a UCLA wild pitch.
UCLA got three more in the third and added another in the fifth to push the lead to seven runs.
That's when Ortiz delivered LMU's signature moment. With
Richie Klosek and
Cooper Whitton having singled to open the fifth, the freshman catcher drove a 1-1 pitch from UCLA reliever Jack O'Connor over the left-field fence for a three-run home run, cutting the deficit to 8-4. It was the first homerun of Ortiz's collegiate career.
Jake Geis and Caleb Sweeney were effective in middle relief, combining for 4.1 scoreless innings to keep LMU from being blown out further.
Whitton was LMU's most consistent offensive presence, going 2-for-3 with a run scored.
On the mound, LMU used seven pitchers. Bender was charged with the most damage despite recording only two outs, walking three and hitting a batter without allowing a hit, all three of his runs unearned. Sweeney was the standout out of the bullpen, working 2.2 scoreless innings on 38 pitches.
Angel Cervantes earned the win for UCLA (4-1), working the first two innings while dealing with a passed ball and a pair of unearned LMU runs.
The Lions will finish their home slate over the weekend with a series against the visiting Gaels of St. Mary's. First pitch for Friday is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. (PT).
2026 LMU Baseball Tickets
Tickets for remaining home games are available now, starting at just $11. Group rates are also available for parties of 10 or more.
