Southwest Missouri State Beats UCLA

Southwest Missouri State hit four home runs to defeat UCLA, 13-2, Friday night in the NCAA Central I Regional in front of 5,238 at Disch-Falk Field.

The Bears (32-23) scored three runs in the top of the first against Bruin starter Pete Zamora (6-1). Zamora, a Times’ all-county selection at Capistrano Valley High, was removed with one out in the second after giving up a three-run homer to center field by Dan Kneeshaw. Kneeshaw, the Bears’ leadoff hitter, was three for five with four runs batted in and three runs scored.

“They can sure hit,” UCLA Coach Gary Adams said. “We knew that going in but they put on a great demonstration of hitting.”

UCLA (34-27), seeded fourth, struggled against Southwest Missouri starter John Hardin (4-2). Hardin pitched a five-hitter, walking three and striking out three. UCLA plays Sam Houston State at 10 a.m. today.

Fifth-seeded Southwest Missouri, winless in three previous NCAA tournament appearances, is the only undefeated team in the regional. Southwest Missouri had 16 hits.

Texas 4, Sam Houston State 2--Designated hitter Jason Layne went three for three with a run scored and an RBI for third-seeded Texas (39-23), which plays Miami today. Sam Houston (31-31) is seeded sixth.