DeCinces’ Eighth-Inning Home Run Lifts UCLA Over Texas

A two-run homer by catcher Tim DeCinces, son of former Angel third baseman Doug, broke an eighth-inning tie Thursday night and helped UCLA defeat Texas, 5-2, in an NCAA Central I Regional game before 6,649 at Disch-Falk Field.

With two outs and the count full against Texas reliever Eric French (2-2), DeCinces drove the ball over the left-field wall. DeCinces’ 17th homer traveled approximately 390 feet, giving UCLA a 4-2 lead. DeCinces, a former Corona del Mar High standout, now has 60 runs batted in.

Jim Parque (9-3) went the distance for the Bruins (34-26). He gave up nine hits, two earned runs and struck out 11 with two walks.

UCLA plays Southwest Missouri today at 5 p.m. (PDT). A loss today against Sam Houston State would end the season for tournament host Texas (38-23).

Sam Houston State 5, Miami 4--The sixth-seeded Bearkats scored three runs in the top of the eighth to upset the Hurricanes, ranked second nationally by Baseball America.

Ron Thames went two for three with two runs scored and two runs batted in for the Bearkats, and reliever Sean Riley (4-0) pitched a scoreless seventh to earn the victory for Sam Houston (31-30).