Long Beach State University Athletics
Long Beach State faces UCLA, hosts UC Davis
4/28/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 28, 2009
Long Beach, Calif. -
Complete Baseball Release in PDF Format 
Leading Off
Long Beach State plays one more game in their longest road swing of the year, facing UCLA in Westwood before returning home for a three-game series against UC Davis. The game against the Bruins is set for Tuesday, April 28 at 6 p.m. Following that, the Dirtbags finally make their return to Blair Field, playing UC Davis Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Around the Corner
Note the changed time for Saturday's game; it IS an evening game on Saturday night in order to accommodate a number of events, including Evan Longoria Bobblehead Night, where the first 1,000 fans will receive a bobblehead with the likeness of the former Dirtbag during his days with Long Beach State. The Dirtbags will then host their final Tuesday home game on May 5, as Pepperdine comes to Blair Field in the second-half of a midweek home-and-home series.
Scouting UCLA
A disappointing start for UCLA dropped the Bruins out of the polls, as the team enters the week just under .500 at 19-21. An early 11-inning loss to UC Davis in the first series of the year started a 10-game losing streak that the team is just recovering from. More recently, the Bruins have done well in the Pac-10, posting an 11-7 record. Casey Haerther is the top hitter for UCLA, hitting .328 with 28 RBI and six home runs.
Long Beach State vs. the Bruins
Long Beach State trails in the all-time series with UCLA, sitting behind the Bruins 37-52 all-time, though in the last 20 years Long Beach State is ahead 24-18. Last season, Long Beach State swept a split series with UCLA, leading to the two games on the road this year.
Scouting UC Davis
UC Davis has struggled this year. After early season highlights of beating UCLA and Pepperdine, the Aggies have posted a 7-31 record and have just one win in the Big West, a home win against UC Santa Barbara. Ryan Scoma leads the team in batting at .311 with 22 RBI, team-highs in both categories.
Long Beach State vs. the Aggies
Long Beach State has one 10 of 13 games against UC Davis in the history of both programs, with 12 of the 13 games coming over the last four years. The Aggies shocked Long Beach State last year, taking two of three on the road to help UC Davis finish sixth in the conference and over .500 in league at 13-11.
Pounding Pacific
Long Beach State brought the offense against Pacific, hitting .352 on the weekend, led by Derek Legg's .727 hitting and Steve Tinoco's 7 RBI. In all, the Dirtbags scored 34 runs on the weekend on 43 hits with 11 doubles, two triples and two home runs, along with stealing seven bases.
Coming To You On Fridays
Adam Wilk has come up big in his junior year. Coming into the year having spent two seasons in long relief, Wilk has started 9 games, compiling a 6-1 record with a 2.42 ERA. The lefty has been even better in conference play with a 3-0 record and a 1.17 ERA.
The Truly Big West
The Big West is living up to its reputation as one of the best college baseball conferences in the nation. UC Irvine became the second team in the conference this season to be ranked No. 1, and the league currently has three teams ranked with the Anteaters, Cal State Fullerton and Cal Poly. The league RPI also remains among the nation's best, currently fourth.
Around The League
UC Irvine had the week off, staying atop the standings while the Dirtbags made the biggest move of the week after a sweep of Pacific. Cal Poly remains in second place, while Cal State Fullerton swept UC Davis to keep pace, a half-game in front of Long Beach State.
