June 11, 2007

Young pitchers grow up fast to spark UCLA
Murphy, Brooks have both matured, giving the entire pitching staff a big lift this season. Bruins begin super regional today at Fullerton.

By Chris Jackson

UCLA's baseball team entered last weekend's NCAA regional at Long Beach State with what appeared to be a shaky pitching staff beyond senior ace Tyson Brummett.

The Bruins (33-26) went out and showed just how wrong that notion was, using just three pitchers - Brummett, sophomore left-hander Tim Murphy and freshman left-hander Gavin Brooks - to win three games and advance to an NCAA super regional against Cal State Fullerton (36-23).

For Murphy and Brooks, who tossed complete games in victories over Illinois-Chicago last Saturday and Long Beach State last Sunday, it was merely a continuation of their strong finish to the season.

"We'd never be where we are without Gavin and Murph," said UCLA coach John Savage as his team prepared for today's 4 p.m. opener at Goodwin Field against the Titans.

Brooks (6-6, 4.65) was pressed into the rotation early in the season, and like most freshmen, he took his lumps early on.

"I've come a long way," Brooks said. "I've had a lot of ups and downs during the season. I've gone through some tough games. I've been able to learn a lot in all the games throughout the year. I've tried to stay on an even keel."

Brooks said his season took a turn for the better when he tossed a complete game in a 7-5 victory over Washington State on May 20 that helped the Bruins avoid a three-game sweep.

Savage agreed.

"He's shown maturity beyond his years," Savage said. "The last three weekends we've really seen that from him. A must-win up at Pullman he wins, a must-win against Oregon State he throws a complete game at home, really a must game on Saturday in the winner's bracket he throws a complete game. He's pitching like a Friday night guy, to be honest."

Murphy (5-4, 5.68) missed much of his freshman year last season with a broken arm. He saw some time in the outfield early in the year, but never took the mound. He began this season in the outfield as well.

"I didn't throw at all, really," Murphy said. "When I broke my arm, I kind of got out of shape. (But) we had such a solid staff last year, there wasn't a need (to pitch) or anything.

"I got back out there this fall, started getting things back. Then with Charles Brewer being out with mono, we were looking for a Saturday guy, and Coach said he wanted me."

CONTINUED