After winning the national championship in 2013, UCLA baseball had a downtrodden 2014 marred with injuries and inexperience. But in 2015, No. 6 UCLA (12-4) has gotten off to a hot start to begin the year.

The Bruins are known for their strengths of pitching and defense under Head Coach John Savage, but this team is uncharacteristically powered by its dynamic offense. The team has already surpassed last year’s total number of home runs and has scored more than half of the number of runs it did a year ago. UCLA currently has one of the top offenses in the nation, but it remains to be seen if that carries throughout the rest of the season or if it’s just a product of small sample size.

Although it might seem difficult to point out the weaknesses of this team given how well it has played thus far, there are a few issues that stand out. The Bruins’ main weakness is a lack of production from the bottom of the batting order, as the majority of production has come from players hitting in the one through five slots. Secondly, middle relief has been an issue. If a starter were to get knocked out of a game early, there aren’t very many reliable options for Savage to turn to.

UCLA has had plenty of star power this season. Offensively, senior third baseman Chris Keck has returned from last year’s season-ending blood clot to lead the team with five home runs and 20 RBIs through the first 16 games. Meanwhile, junior left fielder Ty Moore is hitting over .500 and had an 11-game hitting streak to start the season. Additionally, redshirt junior shortstop Kevin Kramer and sophomore first baseman Luke Persico have provided additional power atop the order.

On the mound, junior right-hander James Kaprielian and senior right-handed closer David Berg lead the team. The two were both added to the Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List, while Berg also was the 2013 Pac-12 Player of the Year. Kaprielian has won all three of his starts and Berg has provided a solid presence at the back of the bullpen, often closing out games, even though he has recorded only one save thus far.