SEATTLE – Washington made a statement on Friday with a stunning 8-0 victory over top-ranked UCLA at Husky Ballpark. This win marks a significant moment for the Huskies, improving their record to 23-29 overall and 12-16 in Big Ten play.
This victory is particularly special as it’s the first time Washington has beaten a No. 1 team since 2018, when they defeated Oregon State. For UCLA, it’s their first road loss this season and only their sixth overall.
Pitcher Jackson Thomas was unstoppable on the mound. He recorded his second win of the year, allowing only three hits and walking four batters while striking out two over six innings. His solid performance contributed significantly to the team’s shutout.
Offensively, the Huskies started strong. In the fourth inning, Colton Bower hit a solo home run, launching the ball 368 feet at a speed of 107 miles per hour. Bower had an impressive day overall, going 3-for-4 with two home runs, a triple, and three RBIs.
The momentum really picked up in the fifth inning when Washington scored five runs. Bower wasn’t done yet; he hit his second home run of the game, this one soaring 394 feet to center field. He also scored on a wild pitch in the seventh, further showcasing his aggressive play.
Gunnar Nichols took over pitching duties in the seventh inning, and he was equally impressive, not allowing a hit and striking out three batters in three innings. He earned his first save of the season, helping to seal the dominant win.
In total, the Huskies amassed nine hits, five of which were extra bases. Besides Bower, Blake Wilson and Braeden Terry contributed with two hits each, emphasizing the team’s offensive depth.
Washington aims to keep the momentum going as they face UCLA again at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Husky Ballpark.
This victory is not just about the numbers; it reflects a growing confidence in the team. With the upcoming Big Ten Tournament, the Huskies have proven they can compete at the highest level.
As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how this performance influences their future games and the tournament landscape. For real-time updates on the team, catch them on Instagram, X, Threads, and Facebook.
