MALIBU, Calif. – The 2020 Pepperdine baseball schedule was released Monday, as announced by head coach Rick Hirtensteiner, who enters his fifth year as the leader of the program. This year, the Waves’ schedule is highlighted by a home series against Michigan, last year’s College World Series runner-up, as well as two games against UCLA, the team Michigan defeated to reach Omaha.
“We always try to schedule up during non-conference play,” said Hirtensteiner. “Last year, our non-conference strength of schedule was extremely strong, and bringing in Michigan, who were runner-up at last year’s World Series, will give us a really good test.”
Like last year, the Waves will begin the season in Phoenix, Ariz. in the 2020 Angels College Classic, playing at least three games February 14-16. Opponents have not been announced. Prior to the start of conference play, the Waves will play the first home series against Akron (February 21-23), a series at Florida International (Feb. 28-March 1) and another home series against the aforementioned Wolverines (March 6-8). In non-conference play, including midweek matchups, the Waves will take on three teams that made the NCAA Tournament in Michigan, UC Santa Barbara (April 7 and May 5) and UCLA (March 31 and May 12).
“I think the WCC is wide open, maybe more this year than in any year I’ve seen,” Hirtensteiner said. “There is not really any one front runner, but as always one will emerge. I really like our team right now, they are working hard, and getting better every day.
“Our starting pitching is our strength right now. Our three potential weekend starters all have significant experience and success at the college level, and I think that is our biggest strength heading into the season. We have a few good bullpen pieces, and offensively we will have Wyatt Young leading the attack. He had a great freshman year before heading to the Cape Cod League, where he led the league in batting average. Billy Cook will also be back after missing half of conference play last year, and he is a big power threat. He will hit home runs to all parts of the field, he can really run and best of all he is a great teammate. We are excited for the season to get going.”
West Coast Conference play begins with two straight home series against San Francisco (March 13-15) and BYU (March 19-21). The Waves will also face off against San Diego (April 3-5), Portland (April 9-11) and Pacific (May 8-10) at home during WCC play. On the road, Pepperdine will take on Saint Mary’s (March 27-29), Santa Clara (April 17-19), Gonzaga (May 1-3) and 2019 WCC champion Loyola Marymount (May 15-17).
The Waves will have 27 home games this year.
