Zamora Makes Most of His Chance at UCLA

Sometimes the unexpected turns out well, which explains why life is quite good now for Pete Zamora.

Only a few months ago, Zamora wondered about his role on the UCLA baseball team. He thought he might be a part of Coach Gary Adams’ plans, but Zamora, astute guy that he is, also realized plans can change quickly.

However, Zamora wasn’t prepared for what has happened.

Adams gave Zamora, a freshman pitcher-first baseman, a chance to contribute at the season’s start and he seized the opportunity. His hitting, pitching and defense have been a big plus for the Bruins. Moreover, his clutch play has provided the difference in many close victories.

“It really has been sort of a surprise,” said Zamora, selected all-county by The Times at Capistrano Valley High.

“I didn’t expect this much coming in. You don’t expect to get a chance to do this stuff as a freshman. Now that I know I can do it, I expect to do it everyday.”

His confidence is well earned.

Zamora has started at first base in every game for UCLA (25-24, 12-16 in the Pacific 10). He started the week fourth on the team with a .308 average, tied for the team lead with 42 runs batted in and has five home runs.

“I expected to help the team as a hitter, but coach gave me a chance to play every day,” said Zamora, 19. “Also, playing in the South Coast League in high school really helped a lot.

“A lot of guys I played against last season are playing Division I ball now. Going against (pitchers) Seth Etherton and Chad Wanders (now freshmen at USC and Hawaii) gets you ready for this level.”

As a pitcher, the hard-throwing left-hander has been “extremely solid” in relief, Adams said. He started the week 3-2 with four saves and a 3.10 earned-run average.

“He’s been a real good, steady player for us all year long,” Adams said. “You couldn’t tell he’s a freshman by the way he’s playing.”

Especially during those late-inning pressure situations.

He hit two game-winning homers--including a ninth-inning grand slam--in a series against Arizona in April. Adams hasn’t hesitated to use Zamora as a closer at times, largely because opponents bat only .224 against him.

“I like being in those situations,” Zamora said. “It’s do or die. Whenever I’m up in those situations, I just tell myself it’s time to shine.”

Adams had high expectations for Zamora, but even he has been overwhelmed.

“He’s done it for us several different ways,” Adams said. “He’s done it at first, making some really nice plays in crunch time. He’s done it with his bat, driving in runs at key times. He’s done it with his arm, coming in in relief.

“This is what we recruited him for and that’s why a lot of schools wanted him. I’m very happy with what he’s done and I expect him to get better and better.”

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Power man: Senior left fielder David Newhan is playing a big role in Pepperdine’s excellent season.

Newhan, a graduate of Esperanza High, is among the West Coast Conference’s leaders in almost every offensive category. Newhan started the week batting .358 with nine home runs and 34 RBIs, a .578 slugging percentage and 29 steals in 35 attempts.

The Waves are 29-17-1, 19-3-1. They are ranked 18th by Baseball America and 25th by Collegiate Baseball.

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Record-breaker: UCLA senior Jennifer Brundage continues to excel, which really isn’t a surprise.

Brundage accomplished seemingly everything possible while playing softball at Irvine High. She was a three-time South Coast League MVP and a member of The Times all-county team.

The Bruins have been just as fortunate to have Brundage playing for them.

Brundage, who plays third base, started the week batting .507 with 12 home runs--a single-season school record--and 53 RBIs. She had a .918 slugging percentage and .599 on-base percentage.

She was an academic and athletic All-American last season.