Rutgers University
UCLA
Baseball Hosts No. 1 UCLA
Apr 09 | Baseball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers baseball is back home to host No. 1 UCLA for a three-game set at Bainton Field. This weekend marks the first time that Bainton Field will play host to the No. 1 team in the nation.
The Scarlet Knights (17-15, 5-7) lost two-of-three at Indiana over the weekend before going on the road and beating Seton Hall 12-7 on Tuesday afternoon.
The Bruins (30-2, 15-0) are the consensus number one team in the nation and winners of 24 straight. They are coming off a three-game sweep of a ranked USC team over the weekend and won their midweek contest on the road against Cal State Fullerton.
Admission is free and parking is available in the gravel lot as well as the Green and Yellow lots at Jersey Mike's Arena. Due to numerous events on Livington Campus, fans should expect increased traffic in lots.
All three games this weekend will be streamed on B1G+. Fans can follow along on X (@RutgersBaseball) for live updates. Live stats will be available here.
Series History
This weekend marks the first time that Rutgers and UCLA will meet on the baseball field.
Weekend Promotions
- Friday: Rutgers pennant giveaway (while supplies last)
- Saturday: Bark in the Park
- One dog per handler
- If dogs become a constant distraction to the game (i.e. constant barking, fighting with other dogs, etc.) they will be asked to leave the facility.
- All dogs must be on a non-retractable leash at all times, leash cannot be longer than six feet.
- Fans should not bring their dog if they are not comfortable with large crowds, loud music, and cheering/yelling.
- Please pick up after your dog.
- Use good judgment regarding the temperament of your dog so the event will be enjoyable for everyone.
- Handlers and dogs are strictly prohibited from accessing the competition field at all times of the day.
- Note: Rutgers Athletics reserves the right to eject an unruly, rowdy or disruptive dog or owner from Bainton Field.
- Sunday: Dollar Dog Day
The 2026 Scarlet Knights
- The 2026 roster features a total of 39 players, with 15 returners and 24 newcomers.
- Of the 24 newcomers, 11 are true freshmen and 13 are transfers.
- Head Coach Steve Owens enters his seventh season at the helm of the program and has accumulated four consecutive winnings season with RU.
- Ryan Fecteau joins the program as associate head coach/pitching following an eight-year stint at Virginia Tech as pitching coach.
- Former major leaguer Frank Schwindel also joins the staff as director of player personnel.
Bonds at the Top
- Peyton Bonds has been the team's top hitter, starting all 32 games in centerfield and batting leadoff.
- Bonds leads RU with a .366 average, 49 hits, 31 runs, 13 stolen bases, 75 total bases and is second with six home runs and 28 RBIs.
- This season at Illinois, Bonds hit a 121 mph double, one of hardest-hit balls in the BBCOR era of college baseball.
- The catching duo of Matt Chatelle and Trey Wells has proven to be one of the top strengths for RU – both offensively and defensively.
- Chatelle (.350) and Wells (.313) are two of the team's top three hitters by average, combining for 69 hits, 45 runs scored and 39 RBIs.
- Behind the dish, the duo has helped RU control the running game, throwing out 14 baserunners to just 24 stolen bases allowed.
Emerging Arms
- A number of new Scarlet Knights have emerged as reliable arms for new pitching coach Ryan Fecteau.
- Jordan Savinon (3.12) and Jacob Pederson (3.32) have both been strong in relief, pitching a combined 36.1 innings with 38 strikeouts.
- True freshman Chris Sand has started and come in as a reliever, posting a 4.50 era in 26.0 innings, the third most on the team.
Veterans in the 'Pen
- Andrew Rondini and Joe Mazza have both proven to be ultra-reliable arms out of the bullpen.
- Mazza has emerged as the top high-leverage arm, posting a 3.48 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 20.2 innings with a save.
- Rondini owns a 1.74 ERA across 20.2 innings, having retiring all 10 batters faced against Hofstra and striking out three in the ninth in the win at Indiana.
Roster Reloaded
- Rutgers recruited the top transfer portal class in the Big Ten, per 64Analytics, with the haul consisting of 13 players (5 pitchers, 8 position players).
- Among in the incoming transfers, INF Charlie Meglio and OF Chase Krewson were both named Big Ten Players to Watch,
- The Scarlet Knights also welcome the top ranked recruiting class in program history, consisting of 11 true freshmen ready for their debut season on the Banks.
Lineup Experience
- In addition to three returning starters, the RU lineup projects to feature loads of experience.
- Behind the dish, Matt Chatelle (129) and Trey Wells (114) have a combined 243 games of collegiate experience.
- Infield transfers Ryan Jaros (56), Charlie Meglio (102) and Quinten Perilli (130) combine for 288 games of collegiate experience.
- In the outfield, Chase Krewson (91) and Tristan Salinas (55) both offer plenty of starting experience.
Defensive Excellence
- Rutgers has been among the best defensive teams in the country the last four seasons. RU is one of just six teams with a .976 fielding percentage in each of the last four seasons (Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Oregon, Vanderbilt)
- In that timeframe, a pair of shortstops in Danny DiGeorgio (2022) and Josh Kuroda-Grauer (2024) were both All-Americans and Brooks Wallace Award finalists for the best shortstop in the country.
Professional Development
- Rutgers is the only team in the Big ten to have a top-three round pick in the MLB Draft in each of the last three seasons: Trevor Cohen (2025, R3 - Giants), Josh Kuroda-Grauer (2024, R3 - Athletics) and Ryan Lasko (2023 - R2 - Athletics)
- In total, RU has seen 16 players either drafted or signed to MLB organizations since 2021.
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