MALIBU, Calif. - The Pepperdine baseball team failed to produce in the first game back from an eight day break.
 
The Waves (12-29, 6-9) recorded five hits in the midweek matchup, losing 16-2 to the Bruins (14-28, 6-18), who evened the series after Pepperdine picked up a 10-2 win at UCLA April 9. 
 
BIG WAVES
 
Junior designated hitter Justin Rubin (Bryn Mawr, Pa.) got the first hit of the afternoon and an RBI in the bottom of the ninth.
 
Graduate infielder Brady Renck (Longmont, Colo.) recorded his first hit in the bottom of the ninth, avoiding a shutout for the Waves with one-of-two RBIs.
 
RECAP
 
The Bruins took control of the game early in the top of the first inning. Five hits, including a three-run home run put UCLA up 6-0 by the middle of the first.
 
With what seemed to be a promising offensive start for the Waves, Rubin slated a single up the middle and gave Pepperdine a chance to respond immediately. Unfortunately, he would be stranded as the inning would end without another baserunner.
 
UCLA added to their lead, recording seven more runs on nine hits, including three additional home runs, two of which from Bruin's first baseman Mulivai Levu. Through the middle of the seventh Pepperdine had yet to get the second hit of the afternoon, trailing 13-0.
 
Senior outfielder Connor Walsh (Niceville, Fla.) singled through the left side of the diamond, giving the Waves a glimmer of hope in the bottom of the seventh. The next two would be retired in order, stranding Walsh.
 
Two more home runs by the Bruins extended the lead to 16-0 by the middle of the eighth inning.
 
Attempting a late-game rally, the Waves were able to put up two runs to end the game. With bases loaded, Renck singled through the right side of the field, scoring junior outfielder Cole Sheehan (Phoenix, Ariz.) who had reached first on his own single into right field. Rubin doubled Pepperdine's runs by putting the ball in play and scoring freshman utility player Corwin Hemmingsen (Cave Creek, Ariz.) who went to the opposite side of the field, singling through left for the Waves' third hit of the inning and fifth of the game.
 
The rally attempt would not be enough to catch the Bruins as the Waves lost 16-2 in the Tuesday matchup.
 
UP NEXT
 
Pepperdine heads to Moraga, Calif. for three crucial games against Saint Mary's College as they sit in the final slot for the West Coast Conference tournament at sixth place.