For the first time this season, the Pac-10 Conference will feature a full schedule of in-conference games. Among the highlights: the Oregon schools renew the Civil War, each Washington school travels to California to face an opponent from the Bay Area, and the Los Angeles teams host an opponent from Arizona.
Washington State (8-11) at California (13-8)
First pitch: Friday, 2:30 PT
The Cougars open their conference schedule against the Golden Bears (2-1 Pac-10) at Evans Diamond in Berkeley. In five starts, Cougar senior left-hander Matt Way has held opponents to a .171 average, posting an impressive 1.09 earned-run average striking out 36. But Way will have his hands full with a potent Cal lineup, which is led by sophomore Mark Canha’s .398 batting average, eight home runs, and 26 runs batted in.
Probable Starting Pitchers
Fri. – Sr. LHP Matt Way, (2-2, 1.09) v. Fr. RHP Matt Flemer (2-0, 4.84)
Sat. – So. RHP Chad Arnold (1-1, 5.73) v. So. RHP Brian Diemer (1-1, 3.46)
Sun. – Sr. RHP Jared Prince (1-1, 3.95) v. TBA
Oregon State (13-5) at Oregon (10-12)
First pitch: Friday, 3:00 PT
It has been 28 years since the Beavers and Ducks faced off, so there’s no better way for both teams to start conference play. The in-state rivals will play the series opener in Eugene, while the final two games of the Civil War will be held at PGE Park in nearby Portland. Look for each team’s hitting to play a determining factor – the Ducks hit .252 as a team while the Beavers hit .306 collectively.
Probable Starting Pitchers
Fri. – So. RHP Tyler Waldron (1-1, 5.30) v. Fr. LHP Tyler Anderson (1-2, 3.56)
Sat. – TBA v. TBA
Sun. – TBA v. TBA
Washington (9-12) at Stanford (5-10)
First pitch: Friday, 5:30 PT
The Huskies jump into conference play after splitting a midweek series with UC Irvine in Seattle. The Cardinal (1-2 Pac-10), who suffered a series loss at California last weekend, look to get well at Sunken Diamond in Palo Alto, where they are 3-5 this season. Junior outfielder Kyle Conley leads the Washington offense with a .329 batting average and eight home runs.
Probable Starting Pitchers
Fri. – Jr. RHP Brian Pearl (0-1, 1.12) v. Jr. RHP Jeffrey Inman (0-3, 7.29)
Sat. – So. LHP Ben Guidos (1-1, 2.76) v. Fr. RHP Jordan Pries (2-0, 3.14)
Sun. – TBA v. TBA
Arizona (11-10) at UCLA (8-13)
First pitch: Friday, 6:00 PT
The Wildcats (0-3 Pac-10) head into Jackie Robinson Stadium hungry for wins this weekend after losing three straight to rival Arizona State. The Bruins (2-1 Pac-10) return to Westwood following a successful seven-game road swing, in which they went 5-2. Junior infielder Casey Haerther, who was named Pac-10 Player of the Week, has hit three home runs in the last four games. Friday night’s opener features an intriguing pitching duel between Preston Guilmet (Ariz.) and Gerrit Cole (UCLA).
Probable Starting Pitchers
Fri. – Sr. RHP Preston Guilmet (2-2, 3.58) v. Fr. RHP Gerrit Cole (2-2, 3.24)
Sat. – So. RHP Matt Veltmann (1-3, 9.37) v. So. LHP Rob Rasmussen (1-1, 6.23)
Sun. – Fr. LHP Bryce Bandilla (2-1, 6.23) v. Jr. RHP Charles Brewer (1-2, 4.00)
Arizona State (17-3) at USC (10-10)
First pitch: Friday, 6:30 PT.
After playing 20 games, coach Pat Murphy’s Sun Devils (3-0 Pac-10) leave the state of Arizona for the first time this season, traveling to Los Angeles to face the Trojans (1-2 Pac-10) at Dedeaux Field. Last weekend, No. 3 Arizona State swept in-state rival Arizona in a three-game series. Meanwhile, Southern California dropped a series to cross-town rival UCLA. ASU’s Mike Leake was tabbed Pac-10 Pitcher of the Week after tossing a complete game and striking out 15 Arizona batters.
Probable Starting Pitchers
Fri. – Jr. RHP Mike Leake (5-1, 1.35) v. Jr. RHP Brad Boxberger (2-2, 2.23)
Sat. – Jr. LHP Josh Spence (4-0, 1.80) v. Fr. RHP Andrew Triggs (2-0, 1.52)
Sun. – So. RHP Seth Blair (2-0, 2.37) v. TBA
