Greatest Collegiate Rivalry This Weekend

Greatest Collegiate Rivalry Gets Another Shot
* Final Conference Series for All the Marbles
* Nation's Top ERA (2.24) Heads to CS Fullerton This Weekend
* Ramos Named Big West Pitcher of the Week For Third Time

May 18, 2005

FULL PDF OF THE RELEASE

Record: 35-17 Big West: 13-5 | Hi Rank: No. 10 | vs. Ranked Teams: 10-6

Dirtbag Lowdown: The No. 10-ranked Dirtbags (35-17, 13-5 Big West) will take the nation's top ERA on the road for the final four regular season home games when The Beach begins a three-game showdown with top-ranked CS Fullerton (38-12, 13-2 Big West) this weekend. Two of the nation's top arms will do battle in the opener, on KVMD-23 at 7 p.m as Dirtbag leftie Cesar Ramos (10-5, 2.02) will oppose fellow Southpaw Ricky Romero (10-4, 2.60). Ramos won the first meeting between the two, as LBSU won two of three at Blair Field in late March. On Saturday, righthander Marco Estrada (7-2, 2.32) will get the call on national television and CSTV (Direct TV 610) at 6 p.m., when he opposes Wes Roemer (5-2, 3.02). On Sunday, a couple of eight-game winners will do battle with Jared Hughes (8-2, 2.38) opposing Scott Sarver (8-2, 4.02) at 1 p.m. Sunday's game will be on televised on the new Fox College Sports channel. LBSU is a game and a half behind CS Fullerton in the Big West standings, as CS Fullerton has one more conference series remaining (at UC Riverside). The Dirtbags close out the regular season on Wednesday, May 25 at USC in a makeup game at 7 p.m. at Dedeaux Field.

Ramos Three-Peats as BWC Pitcher of the Week: For the third time this season, lefthander Cesar Ramos (Pico Rivera) was named the Big West's Pitcher of the Week after dominating No. 19-ranked Cal Poly last week and taking a five-hit shutout into the ninth, before settling for a 4-1 win. Ramos gave up one run on seven hits over eight and two-thirds innings. Ramos has dominated the Big West this season, as he is one of three 10-game winners in the conference (at 10-5), and the starter with the lowest ERA (2.02)

Rank and File: The 49ers moved back into the top-10 for the first time in three weeks, ranking No. 10 in Baseball America, No. 13 in Collegiate Baseball and No. 14 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll. LBSU achieved its highest ranking of the season, No. 9 in Collegiate Baseball, on April 18. They have been in the top-15 every week since April 4. The Beach returned to the top-25 in all three polls on March 28, after ranking between No. 25 and No. 29 in the coaches poll for the previous month.

Mike Weathers Show: The Mike Weathers Show will have its final regular season installment on Tuesday, May 24 (moved due to the USC game) starting at 6 p.m. and feature Andrew Liebel and sports psychologist Ken Ravizza on KWRM-1370 AM. Cirivello's, at 4115 Viking Way, will also be host to the selection show on Memorial Day at 8:30 a.m. featuring the team, as the internet site will also host a show immediately follow at about 9 a.m.

THE OPPOSITION
A Look at CS Fullerton: The Titans enter Friday's series with a 38-12 overall record and 13-2 Big West mark... the defending national champions are coming off a 5-4 marathon win over San Diego on Tuesday after an off-weekend to visit the White House and President George W. Bush... the Titans have won 12 of their last 13... Fullerton is batting .309 as a team with a 3.46 team ERA and .976 fielding percentage... CSF ranks 22nd in the nation in ERA and eighth nationally in fielding... Friday ace Ricky Romero is one of three 10-game winners in the Big West as he leads the club with a 10-4 mark and 2.60 ERA... Vinnie Pestano has 10 saves out of the pen with a 2.47 ERA... lefthander Ryan Schreppel is 5-0 with a 1.97 ERA in eight starts this year, missing time this year with a knee injury... Lauren Gagnier has a 3-0 mark and 3.62 ERA out of the pen... outfielder Sergio Pedroza leads the club with a 3.41 average, 12 homers and 46 RBIs, while first baseman Brett Pill has a .338 average, eight homers and 44 RBIs... shortstop Blake Davis as a league-best seven triples.

Series with the Titans: Since 1989, CS Fullerton leads the series 41-39... the Dirtbags took the latest series with Fullerton (W 3-2, L 4-5, W 3-1), winning two out of three at Blair Field in late March, as that series was highlighted by the return of Troy Tulowitzki at shortstop for The Beach and the emergence of Sunday starter Jared Hughes, who has not lost since his start prior to that series (7-0)... the Titans won four of six from LBSU in 2004, with LBSU winning at Goodwin Field, and CSF sweeping at Blair Field.

What Makes This College Baseball's Best Rivalry?: In the series since 1989, half of the team's games have been decided by three or fewer runs and 20 have been by a single run, including eight in the last five years... two of the longest games in school history (16 innings) happened in back-to-back years in 2001 and 2002... one of the schools has won the Big West title every year, but one, since 1989... both teams won their last Big West title on the opponents field (2003 at Goodwin for The Beach and 2004 at Blair for the Titans).

LAST WEEK
Dirtbags Take Key Series with Cal Poly: The No. 12-ranked Dirtbags used strong pitching a little timely hitting to win the series with No. 19-ranked Cal Poly (W 4-1, L 1-4, W 2-1) setting up a chance at the Big West title with CS Fullerton a week later. In the opener it was all co-Big West Pitcher of the Week Cesar Ramos, who took a five-hit shutout into the ninth inning before settling for one run on seven hits over eight and two-thirds innings. Chris Jones drove in two runs, as LBSU built a 3-0 lead after three innings. Sean Boatright extended his hit streak to 27 games, second-longest in school history. On Saturday, it was Jimmy Shull's turn to shine for the Mustangs, as he pitched a four-hit complete game to even the series. Boatright went hitless for the first time since March 18, snapping his hit streak. On Sunday, The Beach took a homer from Evan Longoria and a run-scoring double from Brandon Godfrey to lead 2-1 and then send it to the bullpen as Brian Anderson and Neil Jamison shut the door with three and two-thirds shutout innings. Jared Hughes was the benefactor, striking out seven and picking up his eighth win of the year.

DIRTBAG BITS
Riding the Top of the Wave: The Dirtbag pitching staff has now led the nation in team ERA for the last five weeks, as this week's numbers come in at 2.27. LBSU is an impressive 31-3 when holding opponents to three runs or fewer. In 11 of the team's series this season, LBSU has given up single digit runs for the entire three-game set. The Beach have ranked fourth (2004) and fifth (2003) nationally in ERA over the past two seasons. All three of the team's starters, Cesar Ramos (three), Marco Estrada, and Jared Hughes, have been named Big West Pitchers of the Week this season as the trio all rank amongst the nation's leaders in ERA.

Dirtbags on Television: The Dirtbags will be on television three times over its last four regular season games with KVMD-23 in Los Angeles picking up the team's game at CS Fullerton on Friday and Sunday. College Sports Television will nationally televised the Saturday, May 21 game at Goodwin Field.

Regional Bidding: Yet again the Dirtbags have bid to host an NCAA Regional and Super Regional, something they have done in each of the past two seasons. A ticket order form is available online at www.longbeachstate.com. Site announcements for the 16 regionals will be announced on the ESPN2 ticker at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 29. The full 64-team bracket will be announced on Monday, May 30 on ESPN2 at 8:30 a.m. The team will gather at Cirivello's at 4115 Viking Way in Long Beach to watch the selection show on Memorial Day. Fans are encouraged to attend as the team will also have a live internet broadcast immediately following.

Streak Comes to an End: Centerfielder Sean Boatright (Mission Viejo) run at history came up a hit short, as the junior produced the second-longest hit streak in school-history, at 27 games, and fell one game short of the 49er record. Boatright had gotten a hit in every game for nearly two months, from March 19 to May 14. Boatright also saw his average rise from .250 to its current spot at .317. Boatright leads the club in RBIs with 28 and doubles with 15. His hit streak began about the same time Boatright returned to centerfield. The junior had spent three weeks on the disabled list (hamstring) and had spent most of the early part of March as the team's designated hitter. He enters the Fullerton series having hit safely in 28 of the last 29.

Ramos Continues Starting Trend: Lefthander Cesar Ramos (Pico Rivera) became the third-straight Dirtbag pitcher to win 10 games in two consecutive seasons following in the rotation of Jered Weaver and his record 37 wins (2002-04) and Abe Alvarez and his 23 career wins (2001-03). The All-American is also the school's all-time winningest lefthander and the eighth pitcher to win 20 games in a 49er career. Ramos, a contender for National Player of the Year honors, leads the Big West in ERA (2.02) and is one of three 10-game winners. His ERA ranks 25th nationally, as he has reached the seventh in 11 of the last 12 starts. ON the year, Ramos has opponents batting .216 with 89 strikeouts and just 13 walks.

Estrada Hits Rough Spot: Saturday starter Marco Estrada (San Fernando) has hit a rough spot on the season, after starting the season 7-0, he has lost his last two decisions to move to 7-2. Despite still ranking amongst the nation's leaders with a 2.32 ERA, the righthander has given up nearly a third of his runs (11 of his 34) over his last two starts. Prior to that, Estrada had given up three runs or fewer in 12 of his first 13 starts. Estrada currently leads The Beach with 101 strikeouts, having struck out seven or more eight times, and has opponents batting just .208.

Hughes Keeps Racking up the Wins: Sophomore Jared Hughes (Laguna Beach) has over taken second place on the team in wins, going 8-2 on the season with yet another nation-ranking ERA of 2.38. Hughes, who at one point gave up 13 runs over three starts in mid March, has not lost since March 20, going 7-0 with a 1.33 ERA over his last eight starts. Hughes has struck out 73 and walked just 22 on the season with a .207 opponent batting average.

Jamison Hits Century Mark: All-American closer Neil Jamison (San Diego) became just the second 49er ever to reach 100 career appearances with his 11th save of the season last Sunday against Cal Poly. The former eighth round pick of the Mets (2004) will finish is career second all-time in career saves, as his 26 over four years is currently tied with Brewers farmhand Josh Alliston (1999-2002). Jamison is also a candidate for Stopper of the Year, as he has given up just two unearned runs on the season for a perfect 0.00 ERA. The 11 saves is tied for first in the Big West and is 12th nationally.

Tulowitzki Continues Strong Push: Despite missing six weeks of the season with a left hamate bone injury to his hand, All-American shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (Sunnyvale) has not missed a beat, hitting safely in 20 of his last 24 games, batting a team-best .363 with 28 runs and 25 RBIs. Despite missing 20 games of the season, Team USA's starting shortstop in the summer of 2004, has a team-best seven homers and a .637 slugging percentage. Tulowitzki enters the weekend with a .960 fielding percentage in his career, as he looks to become just the six 49er in school-history to top 20 home runs (he has 19).

Longoria Hits Stride: Put him at third, then at short, and back at third, it does not matter where you put sophomore Evan Longoria, he produced, as he enters the Fullerton series batting .322 with a team-best 29 runs. He has also slugged five homers and driven in 23 rns on the season. Longoria, a junior college shortstop, was projected to play third base to start the year, and was into the shortstop position for 18 games when Troy Tulowitzki went down. Despite all the movement, Longoria has made just seven errors all season and is one of only two players (Chuck Sindlinger is the other) to have over 100 assists on the season.

Godfrey Not a Freshman Anymore: It's hard to imagine Brandon Godfrey's (Los Alamitos) is in his first season, but he still is, ranking second on the team with a .327 average to go along with 11 doubles and 24 RBIs. Godfrey is also second on the team with 16 multi-hit games. Godfrey has also been a slick fielding first baseman, playing the position for the first time in college, producing a .992 fielding average.

Just a Game of Catch and Throw: Junior catcher Chris Jones (Fresno), a junior college transfer that played in 10 games last year, not only emerged as the team's starting catcher this season, but flirted with .400 to begin the year. Though is average is down to .311 over 42 starts on the season, Jones has driven in 23 and produced a .989 fielding percentage from behind the dish.

MLB.com Puts Out Projections: According to MLB.com's first draft projections, the Dirtbags could have two (or possibly three) players drafted in the first round of the June Amateur Draft. According to MLB.com, All-American shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (Sunnyvale) has soared from a late top-10 pick to begin the year (Baseball America) to maybe the No. 3 pick by the Mariners. All-American lefthander Cesar Ramos (Pico Rivera) could go to the Padres as the No. 18 pick, as he has also watched his stock rise from a late first round pick to begin the year. LBSU also has another alum possibly in the mix, as last year's National Pitcher of the Year Jered Weaver, the 12th overall pick by the Angels in 2004, has yet to sign.

Good to the Last Drop: The Dirtbags are a remarkable 26-1 when leading after six innings, mostly because of the team's deep bullpen and long-lasting starters. LBSU starters have reached the seventh 25 times this season (going 17-3), while closer Neil Jamison (San Diego) and setup man Brian Anderson (Aliso Viejo) have combined for a 7-0 record, a 0.30 ERA and 13 saves.

Will They Come Home Again?: Only time will tell if they will return home for post-season play, but the Dirtbags completed one of its most successful seasons at Blair Field this season, going 24-7 at the pitcher-friendly confines. LBSU produced the third-most wins in school-history and had the highest winning percentage (.775).

Versatility the Name of the Game: With injuries to start the year and the constant shuffling of the lineup, this team may be the most versatile in recent memory. Starting with Evan Lonogoria (third/shortstop) and Tito Cruz (third/catcher), and continuing with Danny Mocny (third/outfield) and most recently Scott Bradley (first base/outfield) and Cruz at first base, this team has a lot of options. This does not include backup catchers Jordan Struble and Tom Sarti, who have yet to start at receiver, but have both started in the outfield. Second and catcher have been the most stable positions, with Chuck Sindlinger starting 46 games at second and Chris Jones starting 37 games at catcher.

Double Trouble for Opponents: Long Beach State baseball is trying to make history this season. With lefthander Cesar Ramos (Pico Rivera) being named to the Golden Spikes Award watch list, LBSU is trying to become the first program to have back-to-back Players of the Year. Ramos, who ranks amongst the nation's leaders in wins and ERA, is trying to follow up the performance of former teammate Jered Weaver in 2004, as Ramos is on the same watch list's (Baseball America, The Clemens Award and the Golden Spikes Award) that Weaver was on last year.

Crosby Gives Back, Again: Oakland Athletics shortstop Bobby Crosby gave back yet again to his alma mater, donating the $20,000 he earned for winning the Rookie of the Year last season, back to The Beach. Crosby continued a tradition of recent Dirtbags in giving back to their program when he gave $10,000 of his signing bonus to LBSU following the 2001 draft. Crosby was one of six Dirtbags to start the season in the Majors.

One of the Early Season's Top Games: The Dirtbags 1-0 win at Wichita State behind a four-hitter by Cesar Ramos was tabbed as one of the season's best games so far, according to Baseball America's mid-season report. More of Durham's picks can be found at their website at baseballamerica.com or by picking up a publication on news stands now.

Mid-Season All-Americans: Baseball America tabbed two pitchers on the Dirtbag pitching staff as mid-season All-Americans, with closer Neil Jamison getting a first team nod and Cesar Ramos, one of the publication's National Players to Watch, earning a spot on the second team.

Mid-Season Ratings: Baseball America put out its mid-season update of top college prospects, and no surprise, but The Beach feature two of the top-20. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is listed as the sixth-best college player, while lefthander Cesar Ramos is the 19th-best player and seventh-best pitcher in the country. Tulowitzki is the sixth-best junior, while lefthander Ramos is the 18th-best junior. Righthander Neil Jamison (San Diego) is rated as the third-best senior, while Jared Hughes (Laguna Beach) is the 31st-best sophomore. For the second straight year Tulowitzki's is the conference's top defensive shortstop with the best arm. Ramos has the best control in the conference.

Strong Pre-Season, Considering: The Dirtbags completed virtually its entire non-conference schedule in good order (a three-game series with UC Davis and a Wednesday affair with USC to end the year are the only other non-conference games), as The Beach over the first half of the season took four series over top-15 opponents (Arizona State, Baylor, Wichita State and CS Fullerton) and did so virtually without the middle of the lineup, Sean Boatright (hamstring-three weeks), Danny Mocny (shoulder-four weeks) and Troy Tulowitzki (left hand-six weeks), who all missed time due to injury. The trio returned for the first time against CS Fullerton to close out March.


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