LOS ANGELES — Through eight innings, Michigan baseball right-handed pitcher Karl Kauffmann dominated top-ranked UCLA’s (51-10) lineup Friday night. He allowed only one…
LOS ANGELES — Through eight innings, Michigan baseball right-handed pitcher Karl Kauffmann dominated top-ranked UCLA’s (51-10) lineup Friday night. He allowed only one hit, walked one and struck out eight.
But five batters into the ninth, Kauffmann was removed from the game, having allowed two runs, three hits and a walk. He left with runners on first and third.
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Michigan coach Erik Bakich inserted right hander Jeff Criswell in relief to get the final two outs. Criswell delivered, inducing a pop fly and striking out UCLA left fielder Jack Stronach to win the game, 3-2, and earn his first career save.
“When we scripted out the game, we said if it’s close and we’ve got a lead, we’re going to go to Jeff,” Bakich said. “We just felt like he would give us the best chance.”
The No. 13 Wolverines are one win away from their first trip to the College World Series in 35 years.
