LOS ANGELES – A game that looked put away after California's final at-bat was quickly turned around in the Golden Bears last stand on defense.
 
After leading 2-0 going into the bottom of the seventh, the Bears (26-14, 3-9 Pac-12) gave up three runs to No. 13 UCLA 9 (31-12, 6-7) to drop the series opener 3-2.
 
Cal led 1-0 after an RBI single by Khala Taylor brought home Lindsay Rood in the top of the fourth. The Bears were able to maintain the lead and keep the Bruins scoreless through three innings, but the seventh proved lethal.
 
After extending its lead 2-0 in the top of the seventh, which looked to solidify the Bears' first win over a ranked opponent, the defense appeared to let up.
 
Cal allowed a single and a walk to get a pair of runners on and then a successful sacrifice bunt moved UCLA to second and third base with just one out. UCLA cemented its comeback after an two RBI single followed by an RBI double that sent a trio of Bruins across the plate for the win.
 
The Bears' second score came on an RBI single from Rood who brought home Vanessa Alvarez. Rood led the Bears with a pair of hits on the night.
 
The team returns tomorrow for another 7 p.m. (PT) opening pitch against its in-state opponents. Live broadcast of the series is available on Pac-12 Network with live stats on CalBears.com.
 
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