UCLA Bruins at Michigan State Spartans Friday, May 1, 2026 (Interstat) — East Lansing, Mich.

The No. [rank not provided] UCLA Bruins (40-4, [conference record not specified] Big Ten) open a three-game series against the Michigan State Spartans (16-25, [conference record not specified]) on Friday evening at McLane Stadium at Kobs Field. First pitch is scheduled for [time not provided], with the forecast calling for [temperature] degrees Fahrenheit.

UCLA enters on a hot streak, coming off a 15-3 rout of UC Santa Barbara on Tuesday. Right-hander Angel Cervantes (5.0 IP, 0 H, 1 ER, 3 K) earned the win and will be a key arm out of the Bruins’ bullpen. Cervantes has been effective in recent outings, allowing only two earned runs over his last 10 innings across three appearances, though he took a loss against UC Santa Barbara on April 14 (3.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER). He has struck out seven batters in his past two appearances.

Michigan State countered with a 13-1 win over Maryland on Sunday, powered by second baseman Ryan McKay, who went 2-for-3 with a home run and five RBIs. McKay has been consistent at the plate, collecting hits in six of his last nine games, including a 2-for-4 effort against Washington on April 19. Over his past four contests, he has driven in six runs and slugged .500.

The Spartans have struggled overall, losing seven of their last 10 games, but their offense showed life in the series win over Maryland (two wins by double digits). UCLA, meanwhile, has won nine of its last 10, including a sweep of Minnesota and a series win over Sacramento State. The Bruins’ lineup features Payton Brennan, who went 2-for-2 with a home run and four RBIs in Tuesday’s win, and shortstop Roch Cholowsky (2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI).

A simulation by Interstat projects an 8-5 UCLA victory.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday. UCLA then travels to Loyola Marymount on Tuesday before hosting Oregon next weekend. Michigan State hosts Bowling Green on Tuesday and Western Michigan on Wednesday, then travels to Ohio State.