Teams: UC Davis at San Jose State; Fresno State
Records: Aggies, 9-6; Spartans, 5-6; Bulldogs, 8-6
Where: Municipal Stadium – San Jose, Calif.; Beiden Field – Fresno, Calif.
When: Spring Break
Who to watch: Dayne Quist is an animal.
In his 2009 campaign, Quist was just a freshman still working out the kinks in his game. During that season he appeared in 17 games, recorded a 5.48 earned run average while walking nearly as many batters as he struck out (29 to 32).
This season, in four starts and one relief appearance, Quist is 4-0 with a 1.83 ERA while striking out 24 and issuing only nine walks.
The best part about Quist’s domination is that, aside from torturing opposing hitters on a weekly basis, he does it for the entire game.
No Aggie was able to throw a complete game in any of the team’s 55 contests last season.
Quist has already gone the distance three times in just four starts.
Did you know? The Big West Conference is one of the best baseball leagues in the nation.
The Aggies open conference play at Cal State Fullerton the week UC Davis returns from spring break. The Titans were ranked as one of the top-10 teams in the nation by Baseball America to being the season.
Preview: It’s time to dot the I’s and cross the T’s.
The Aggies have played 15 games already this season, and sooner than later they will be starting all-important conference play.
Before that point, UC Davis has five games to play including a three-game series against 2008 national champion Fresno State.
“I’m interested to see how our team reacts at Fresno,” said coach Rex Peters. “That will give us a very good indication of what we can expect in conference because Fresno is a good opponent. They represent the kind of team we’ll play week in and week out in conference so I think that will give us a good indication of how we might fare.”
The Aggies know they will be facing tough opponents like this all season long. They also know that despite playing well as a team they have room to grow.
“We’ve played decent baseball as a whole,” Peters said. “I think we’re still walking more guys than we should be but it’s improved and I’m happy with how we play defense.
“Offensively we got off to a slow start but [the series against Sacramento State] was a good indication that maybe we’re starting to find our stride. I wouldn’t say I’m satisfied with the way our offense is producing but I think we’re on the right track.”
– Mark Ling
