Bruins Maul Seawolves in College World Series Opener

Stony Brook was struck down by UCLA for five runs in the first inning on the way to the Bruins' 9-1 victory in the opening game of the 2012 College World Series.

Tyler Johnson took the mound leading Division I with 12 wins on the season, but allowed four runs to score before recording the first out. The five earned runs in the inning ties the most Johnson has given up in any game this season. The loss snaps his 12 game win streak and is his first in over three months.

Stony Brook immediately got back on the offensive in the top of the second. Two singles and a walk would load the bases with just one out, but UCLA’s Adam Plutko didn’t allow the Seawolves to put the ball in play for the rest of the inning. Kevin Courtney struck out swinging and Sal Intagliata followed by fouling out near first base.

Stony Brook would get on the board in the next inning when Pat Cantwell launched a 3-1 pitch over the left field wall for a home run. However, it would be the only run the Seawolves would put up on the scoreboard.

Plutko was superb in pitching out of trouble, allowing just one run and five hits over seven innings while striking out seven.

Stony Brook would threaten again in the fifth inning, with runners on second and third and no outs. Travis Jankowski grounded into a double play first to home when Courtney was tagged out at the plate on a questionable call.  

The Seawolves still have a chance to continue playing Cinderella and shock the world in the losers' bracket. They will take on Florida State on Sunday at 5 p.m.

Judging from the way the Stony Brook’s year has gone so far, that might be exactly where they want to be. The Seawolves have faced a season-ending elimination game five times so far, winning them by a composite score of 42-21.