TUCSON, Ariz. -- Fourth-ranked UCLA scored six runs over the final three innings, including three runs in the top of the seventh to break a 4-4 tie and defeat No. 12 Arizona, 7-6 in game 1 of the three-game series.

Arizona was unable to hold a 2-1 lead after four and 4-2 lead after five. It was another close loss in a string of them for the Cats. UA now has six one- or two-run losses in its last 14 games; four of those six are to top-four teams in the country.

Arizona's offense was good, plating six runs on 10 hits, but the Bruins' offense was just a little bit better. UCLA plated seven runs on nine hits, including three home runs. Rachel Garcia, who also pitched four innings for UCLA, had two homers and three RBI for the Bruins.

Alyssa Palomino went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer on the night. It was her 12th homer of the season, tying Jessie Harper for the Pac-12 lead. Palomino, Harper and Dejah Mulipola all had two hits for the Cats.

Taylor McQuillin (18-7) took the loss for Arizona. She allowed seven runs on nine hits. She fanned eight and walked six in the contest.

UCLA starter Selina Ta'amilo earned the win, pitching three innings and allowing four runs, two earned, on five hits. She improved to 9-2 on the season.

The 12th-ranked Wildcats, who suffered their fourth straight loss, fell to 27-10, 6-7 Pac-12 on the season. No. 4 UCLA improved to 35-3, 10-2 Pac-12 on the year. The two teams meet again on Saturday at 7 p.m. MST.

UCLA opened the scoring with a leadoff home run in the top of the sDejah Mulipolar> In the home half, Malia Martinez led off with a walk and Dejah Mulipola followed with a single. An error moved both of them into scoring position and then a Aleah Craighton sacrifice fly and a wild pitch gave the Wildcats a 2-1 lead after two innings.

UCLA tied the game with a solo homer in the fifth.

Arizona came right back to regain the lead. Reyna Carranco was hit by a pitch and then stole second with two out. Jessie Harper and Malia Martinez ripped back-to-back doubles to score two and give UA a 4-2 lead after five innings.

In the sixth, a miscommunication allowed a pop fly to fall between three Wildcats, a mistake that would cost the Cats after Rachel Garcia hit her second homer of the night, a two-run shot to tie the game.

UCLA plated three runs in the top of the seventh to take the lead.

In the bottom half, UA's comeback attempt fell just short. Carranco started the inning with a double and Palomino followed with a home run to cut the deficit to one run with nobody out, but Ta'amilo retired the next three to end the game.

Up next: Arizona is back in action on Saturday at 7 p.m. for game 2 with the Bruins. The game will be televised by the Pac-12 Networks.

Follow the Wildcats: Be sure to follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@ArizonaSoftball) to keep up with the team.