UCLA rising junior pitcher Easton Hawk is spending the summer representing Team USA at the World Collegiate Baseball Championship in Taiwan. On Monday, he threw four hitless innings out of the bullpen against Japan to lead Team USA to a 3-2 victory at Intercontinental Stadium.

The win makes Team USA’s record 2-0 in the tournament.

Hawk took the mound in the sixth inning with runners at both corners and no outs. The Granda Hills, California native managed to retire all 16 batters he faced to record a save and secure a big win for Team USA.

Before Monday’s win, Team USA had loss seven straight games against Japan. Team USA will play its third game of the tournament on Tuesday against Korea at Intercontinental Stadium.

Hawk’s Career at UCLA

Hawk has spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at UCLA. During his freshman season in 2025, he was the team’s closer and led the Bruins with eight saves that season.

He also contributed to getting UCLA back to the Men’s College World Series for the first time in 12 years.

This season, Hawk returned as one of the top relievers for UCLA. He finished the season with a 1.93 ERA, 52 strikeouts and career-high 14 saves while giving up just nine earned runs in 42 innings.

Hawk was named an All-Big Ten First Team selection and an ABCA/Rawlings and NCBWA First Team All-American for his performance during the 2026 season.

The standout right-hander will return to UCLA for his junior season in 2027.

Photo Credit: USA Baseball

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