The Dirtbags are riding high right now since stretching their winning streak to 13 games on Tuesday. But coming up this weekend is the one team that could endanger that streak – UC Riverside.
The No. 21 Highlanders (12-3, 33-17) are right on the Dirtbags’ (13-2, 35-14) heels, one game behind them in Big West standings. With NCAA Regionals right around the corner, the stage is set for three intense matches this weekend.
Pitching’- 3.46 Team ERA, .249 Team Opponent Average, second in Big West
In a starting rotation stacked with lefties, RHP James Simmons (9-2) is the exception. Simmons leads the Big West owning a 2.11 ERA, a .209 opponent average, 41 batters struck out looking. All together, Simmons has 102 strikeouts, second in the conference. Simmons has been named Big West Pitcher of the Week seven times so far this season.
Lefty Marc Rzepczynski (6-2) is also up there in the conference. His 2.72 ERA is third in the Big West, and his 84 strikeouts are the fifth best in the conference. Rzepczynski has also never given up a homerun this season.
Two more lefties, Pat Cassa (2-3, 4.07 ERA) and Dan Runzler (4-6, 5.40 ERA), cap off the starting pitching rotation for the Highlanders.
The Highlander bullpen looks to be solid, as well as closer, Joe Kelly. Kelly could pose a threat to the Dirtbag offense. Kelly only has four saves, but his ERA is only 0.78. In 23 innings, Kelly has given up only five runs and struck out 18.
Offense – .300 Team Average, second in Big West
The Dirtbags are facing a tough, hot offense. Five starters are batting above the .300 clip. Shortstop Jamie Pedroza is swinging the hottest bat for the Highlanders. He leads the team almost across the board, with a .343 average (10th in the conference), a .616 slugging percentage (second in the conference), 16 doubles (third in the conference) and 12 homeruns (second in the conference).
Right fielder Joey Gonzales is right behind him, batting .331 and slugging .455. Center fielder Carl Uhl isn’t far from Gonzales with a .323 average. Uhl has 13 doubles, a triple and 22 RBIs.
Fielding – 77 Errors, .959 fielding percentage, sixth in Big West
For such a well-rounded team, fielding seems to be the Highlanders’ downfall. Although they have turned 36 double plays, their catchers have 10 passed balls charged to them, and as a team have only thrown out 44 of 71 runners trying to steal.
Pedroza leads and error-filled infield with a whopping 18 errors, and a .915 fielding percentage.
Big West Standings
Long Beach State 13-2 / 35-14
UC Riverside 12-3 / 33-17
UC Irvine 10-5 / 35-14-1
CS Fullerton 8-7 / 31-19
Cal Poly 8-7 / 27-23
UC Santa Barbara 9-9 / 21-25
CS Northridge 2-13 / 14-36
Pacific 1-17 / 13-40
Dirtbags Weekend Preview
Who: Long Beach State (13-2, 34-14) vs. UC Riverside (12-3, 33-17)
Where: Blair Field
When: Friday (6:30 p.m.), Saturday (1 p.m.), Sunday (1 p.m.)
