UC Irvine showcases its power, eliminating Arizona State in NCAA baseball tournament
Under threat of elimination, UC Irvine's bats emerged once again.
Bringing the power for a second straight game, the Anteaters connected for five home runs Sunday, eliminating Arizona State 11-6 in the Los Angeles Regional of the NCAA baseball tournament.
Needing to win four straight games to advance to the super regionals after losing to Arizona State on Friday, UC Irvine is halfway to its goal.
Alonso Reyes — who had just one home run in 2025 entering Sunday's game — ripped a two-run home run off of Sun Devils starter Derek Schaefer in the fourth inning. Later in the inning, after Arizona State coach Willie Bloomquist went with Lucas Kelly out of the bullpen, Chase Call cleared the batter's eye in dead center field for a two-run home run to give the Anteaters a 6-1 lead.
UC Irvine took a 7-2 lead in the sixth when Call launched a changeup over the heart of the plate from Sun Devils closer Cole Carlon beyond the left-field wall and into the neighborhood behind Jackie Robinson Stadium.
Call's two home runs weren't the only examples of the Anteaters' power at the plate.
UC Irvine star center fielder Jacob McCombs connected for a no-doubt home run (423 feet, 106.5 mph) for the second straight day in the third inning, lifting the ball over The Jack and Rhodine Gifford Training Facility in right field. McCombs, an All-Big-West First Team honoree, leaned back in the batter's box after his home run, taking time to admire his go-ahead blast.
Even when the Sun Devils threatened — scoring three in the sixth to make it a two-run game — James Castagnola replenished the lead with a two-run home run in the seventh. UC Irvine forced Carlon — who entered the game with a 2.73 earned-run average — from the game. He conceded a season-high five runs (four earned) across 1⅓ innings.
Plenty is still up for grabs for the Anteaters, but it will now require more of the same offense — and taking down UCLA twice (once Sunday night and on Monday) to extend their season. Luckily for coach Ben Orloff, he preserved most of his pitching staff thanks to redshirt sophomore left-hander Ryder Brooks' start.
The brother of former UCLA Friday night starting pitcher Jake Brooks made himself at home at Jackie Robinson Stadium, tossing 5⅓ innings of five-run ball, giving up six hits, walking four and striking out three with low-slot delivery. It was Brooks' longest start since a complete-game shutout of Hawaii on April 19.
Orloff dipped into his bullpen for just two relief pitchers. Ricky Ojeda, the Big West Pitcher of the Year, tossed 1 ⅓ innings on 34 pitches. Over the last three days, Ojeda has thrown 74 pitches — and would be on just a few hours rest if he pitches Sunday night against UCLA. The Anteaters split their midweek season series against the Bruins earlier this year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
"Don't call me that anymore" - Shaquille O'Neal explains why he wants people to stop treating him like a celebrity
Shaquille O'Neal is hard to miss. His 7'1" frame instantly shifts the air in a room. His presence arrives before he even says a word. Add to that the legacy of a four-time NBA champion, three-time Finals MVP, and one of the most dominant forces the league has ever seen, and it's no wonder people treat him like larger-than-life royalty. He's been the face of Nike campaigns, TNT broadcasts, Hollywood cameos, and every brand in between. But O'Neal himself doesn't want that label. No celebrity tag Although the Los Angeles icon has a stacked NBA resume and a booming broadcast career, "Big Diesel" doesn't want to be associated with or seen as a celebrity. Advertisement "I don't want to be in that category," he said. "Celebrities are crazy, they really are. Don't call me that anymore. These people are out of their freaking mind with how they treat people, what they do, what they say. That's never been me. I never want to be looked at like that." It's a surprising sentiment, considering how entrenched the one-time MVP is in the media space. After all, this is the man who danced his way through Pepsi commercials in the '90s, starred in films like Blue Chips and Kazaam and carved out a post-retirement lane as one of television's most entertaining sports analysts on Inside the NBA. But even with all the flashing lights and booming endorsements, O'Neal has no interest in being seen as part of the same culture, which he says has gone off the rails. The Hall of Famer was never a typical flashy superstar. On the court, he was brutal. A 325-pound juggernaut who shattered backboards ran the floor like a locomotive and forced teams to hack him just to slow him down. Over a 19-year career, he racked up 28,596 points, 13,099 rebounds and 15 All-Star appearances. Off the court, he often defied the stereotypes — opting to finish his college degree at LSU in 2000, then later earning an MBA and even a doctorate in education. Advertisement But the public perception hasn't always kept up with the man behind the smile. And that's where the tension lies. To many, O'Neal is a celebrity because he fits the bill — fame, money, charisma, mass appeal. But to him, "celebrity" carries a darker connotation: entitlement, eccentricity, detachment from reality. He's seen enough of it to want no part. That mindset didn't develop overnight. The four-time NBA champion grew up in a military-style household led by his stepfather, Sergeant Phillip Harrison, who preached discipline, humility, and service. Even at the height of his basketball fame, he never lost touch with the grounding forces that shaped him. Related: "He's Mr. Discipline, Mr. Straight, Mr. Conservative" - Dennis Rodman admits Gregg Popovich was "the big problem" in San Antonio O'Neal's perception "Big Diesel" would rather be remembered for doing good for society. The real legacy he wants to leave behind isn't tied to stats, trophies, or showbiz success. It's in the lives he's touched, the strangers he's helped, and the communities he's tried to uplift without seeking attention. Advertisement "All my life, everyone probably gets stereotyped, but us celebrities, we get stereotyped because most of these celebrities are out of their mind," Shaq said. "I don't do that. I'm a regular person that listened, followed his dreams and made it." Whether it's secretly paying off a struggling family's bill at a furniture store, buying a laptop for a kid in need, gifting kids Nintendo or Playstation, or covering the funeral costs for strangers who never expected his help, O'Neal shows up without cameras rolling. These aren't publicity stunts. They're quiet gestures of someone who knows how far a little kindness can go. In 2021, he made headlines for helping a young man buy an engagement ring for his girlfriend after overhearing his dilemma at a jewelry store. He didn't ask for a thank you. He didn't want a viral moment. He just saw someone trying their best and decided to step in. Advertisement His philanthropic reach goes far beyond one-off moments. He has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, served as a national spokesperson for The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation and used his platform to support underprivileged communities across the country. For him, making money is easy — making an impact is the real calling. Related: "I tell them all the time. We ain't rich. I'm rich" - Shaquille O'Neal on giving his kids a harsh lesson about earning their own wealth
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Cadillac names Tommy Hilfiger as first 2026 F1 team partner amid all-American identity
Cadillac has announced its first official partnership ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, signalling a commitment to its all-American identity with a deal with Tommy Hilfiger. The Michigan-based manufacturer has named Tommy Hilfiger its apparel partner and lifestyle sponsor in a multi-year agreement with the iconic New York fashion house - a brand with a long-standing history in F1. Advertisement 'Two icons. One vision. A bold new era of American motorsport,' Hilfiger said in a statement on Tuesday. 'We're proud to continue our Formula 1 story alongside TWG Motorsports and Cadillac. 'We share a vision to honour the heritage of F1 while pushing it forward — celebrating where we come from, and reimagining where we can go. 'As the sport's presence around the globe continues to soar, there's never been a better time to dream big, and show the world what an American team can bring to the grid.' Team principal Graeme Lowdon echoed the sentiment that Cadillac is 'an American team representing one of the most iconic American brands of all time'. Advertisement He went on: 'Tommy Hilfiger too is an American icon, and the brand's legacy in Formula 1 is unmatched. As we bring a bold new vision to the paddock, this partnership truly reflects the spirit of what we're building. 'Together, we're not only racing, but driving innovation that will shape the future of both entertainment and engineering.' The partnership will comprise official team kit worn by the drivers, pit crew, paddock staff and management, along with a fanwear collection set to drop globally next March at the beginning of the season. The company logo will also be present on the car, race suits and helmets. Hilfiger, whose lifelong passion for motorsport began near his home at the Watkins Glen circuit in New York, has sponsored F1 teams since the early 1990s. Most recently, he outfitted Mercedes, until Adidas took over at the start of 2025. Tommy Hilfiger on the grid Tommy Hilfiger on the grid Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images Advertisement During the brand's seven-year partnership with the Silver Arrows, it signed Lewis Hamilton as a global ambassador, which resulted in him producing multiple collections and sitting in the front row at fashion week. Beyond the track, Tommy Hilfiger has played a visible role in growing F1's cultural footprint. The brand sponsors a car in F1 Academy and will release a special collection tied to this summer's 'F1' movie. Now, the brand aims to bring that same ethos to Cadillac's entry into F1. 'From the very beginning, entertainment and sport have been part of our brand's heritage,' Tommy Hilfiger global brand president, Lea Rytz Goldman, said. 'By doubling down in motorsport, we are excited to present a fresh expression of what's possible when fashion evolves at the speed of pop culture. This iconic partnership continues our legacy of breaking boundaries, bringing style to the grid, and driving the future of Formula 1.' Advertisement Cadillac's marketing rollout has leaned heavily into its cultural positioning as an all-American challenger in a historically Europe-centric sport. The partnership with Hilfiger seems to be setting the tone for the team's unique brand identity. 'This collaboration represents the fusion of two bold, innovative brands - where performance meets iconic style,' Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac F1, said. 'As we build a team that reflects American ambition on the global F1 stage, this partnership sets the tone for what's ahead.' To read more articles visit our website.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Yankees Bring Back All-Star Jazz Chisholm, Place Luke Weaver on IL in Massive Roster Move
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The New York Yankees have made a massive roster move, activating All-Star infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. from his rehab assignment and off the 10-day injured list, and adding reliever Luke Weaver to the 15-day IL, among other transactions. Right-hander Fernando Cruz has been reinstated from the injured list, right-hander Yerry de los Santos was recalled from Triple-A, Jorbit Vivas was optioned to Triple-A, and right-hander Carlos Carrasco was designated for assignment. Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees slides into third base after advancing on an error after hitting a double in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden... Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees slides into third base after advancing on an error after hitting a double in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 29, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. Chisholm left the game after the play with an injury. More Photo byMore news: Yankees Lose Star Pitcher for Summer Months After Injury Diagnosis Prior to tonight's game, the Yankees made the following roster moves: • Returned INF Jazz Chisholm Jr. (#13) from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 10-day injured list. • Reinstated RHP Fernando Cruz (#63) from the 15-day injured list. • Recalled RHP Yerry de… — New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 3, 2025 Chisholm last played on April 29, before a right oblique strain sidelined him for what would turn into the entirety of May. After three rehab games in Double-A, the infielder looks ready to return to the diamond. Weaver recently suffered a hamstring injury while warming up on Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that an MRI revealed he could miss four to six weeks of action. The right-hander has been electric for New York this season, posting a 1.05 ERA across 25.2 frames of work, allowing just three runs in this time. He has 24 strikeouts in as many outings to just seven walks on the year. It appears that Devin Williams will go back to his role as closer amid Weaver's absence. The struggling Williams has a 6.23 ERA across 21.2 innings pitched this season and will have to take a major step up with the increased workload. There will be more bullpen help on the way as Cruz will continue to build upon his 2.66 ERA over 23.2 frames this season. The right-hander has an ERA+ of 150 this season, ranking him 50 percent better than qualified pitchers as he looks to get back to his first season as a Yankee. De los Santos will also look to take on a larger role, as he has allowed four runs in 12 innings of work in Pinstripes. He has dazzled the mound in 10.1 frames in Triple-A with a 1.74 ERA, striking out 11 batters and walking four. Vivas split time across second and third base since the beginning of May, but was struggling at the plate with a .156 batting average across 45 at-bats. The 24-year-old heads back to Triple-A, where he was hitting .319 before his call-up. The right-handed veteran Carrasco struggled in his eight appearances for the Yankees as he allowed 21 runs in 32 innings. The 38-year-old will look for another opportunity to extend his 16-year MLB career. More news: Mets Promote Former Top Prospect vs Dodgers Amid Mark Vientos Injury: Reports For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.
