Cal Poly sophomore Brandon Roberts (Bakersfield, Calif.) was named Big West Player of the Week. The Mustang outfielder helped the ballclub to a series win over UC Riverside with multiple hits in each of the three games. Roberts batted .615 (8-for-13) with four runs scored and three RBI, including 3-for-3 in stolen bases. He had at least one run scored and one RBI in each game of the series.
UC Irvine junior Brett Smith (La Habra, Calif.) was named Big West Pitcher of the Week. The Anteater right-hander tossed a five-hit, complete-game shutout against UC Santa Barbara in the team's league opener. Smith struck out a career-high 13 batters and walked just two en route to his fourth consecutive victory. This marks the third time this season he has earned the conference award. Smith's consecutive scoreless inning streak is now at 25 after the shutout.
No. 5 Long Beach State Set to Host No. 14 UC Irvine
As the Big West enters week two of league play Long Beach State continues its defense of the title facing UC Irvine. The two will tangle once again after facing each other twice in non-conference play. Long Beach State swept Cal State Northridge in its first Big West series while UC Irvine handled UC Santa Barbara to take the series, 2-1. In their first meeting this season the Anteaters edged the 49ers at home to win two games, including one by a score of 1-0. UC Irvine is undefeated (7-0-1) against nationally ranked opponents this season while Long Beach State is 8-3.
Cal State Fullerton continued its ascent past .500 after sweeping Pacific in its conference opening series. The Titans host Cal State Northridge, which was swept by Long Beach State in its league opener. Fullerton has scored at least nine runs in its last four games and has not allowed more than five in a game to its opposition. Last season CSF took 5-of-6 against Northridge with the loss coming in their conference series.
Cal Poly hosts Pacific after taking a road series against UC Riverside in its league opener. The Mustangs became the first Big West team to reach 30 wins this season and have now won 30 or more in four of their last five years. Cal Poly is 12-12 against Pacific since moving to Division I in 1995.
UC Riverside and UC Santa Barbara face at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium this week. The Gauchos and Highlanders each won game three of their respective Big West opening series. Last season UC Riverside swept the Gauchos in their conference matchup. Both offenses look to get back on track. UCSB was held to 11 runs in three games against UC Irvine, including a shutout in game one. Riverside was held to 13 runs in its series against Cal Poly, but could not muster more than five runs in each game.