Teams: UC Davis vs. University of San Francisco
Records: Aggies, 14-13; Dons, 16-15-1
Where: Dobbins Stadium
When: Today at 2:30 p.m.
Who to watch: Junior Scott Heylman is as reliable as they come.
The second baseman out of San Diego, Calif. is one of only four Aggies who have started all 25 games of the season.
In addition, Heylman’s on base percentage (.386) is fourth best on the team while his 12 walks rank second.
Aside from his ability to reach base at a tremendous rate, Heylman is not too shabby defensively.
He and double-play partner, shortstop Justin Schafer, are a big reason why UC Davis has turned-two 24 times.
Did you know? Coach Rex Peters was an honorable mention All-American at Cal State Fullerton and was on the team that earned third-place in the 1988 College World Series.
Preview: UC Davis has a chance to build upon the success they earned in taking two out of three from Long Beach State over the weekend as they begin a stretch of six non-conference games.
While the break from the Big West Conference is welcome, the Aggies know they can’t take any team for granted.
“I’m sure these games won’t be quite as mentally intense as a Big West series,” Peters said, “but they’re all ball games. You go out there to play to win them.”
UC Davis will be looking for revenge as they begin their non-Big West streak today when the University of San Francisco comes to town. The Dons won both contests against the Aggies in 2009 by a combined score of 13-1.
“San Francisco traditionally plays us very tough,” Peters said. “We haven’t had a real good track record of success against them recently so we’re going to have to fight pretty hard to get this one.”
The Aggies have proven they can fight for a tough win as they continually show that 2009 was the exception, not the rule.
“Last year everyone kinda seemed like they were playing for themselves, especially when we had our losing record,” said sophomore David Popkins. “This year it’s totally different. We’re going to battle together to win.”
– Mark Ling
