Bruins and Aztecs play out string
By Ruben Gutierrez
Although UCLA baseball defeated San Diego State 8-6 in their
meeting earlier this season, they will have more than a game in
common when they meet this afternoon at Aztec Stadium.
With the season winding down and the post season rapidly
approaching, both teams have been eliminated from playoff
contention. Elimination from the possibility of post season
competition often shifts the focus of a club.
"Right now, we’re just trying to develop our younger players who
haven’t had a chance to play very much and evaluate them for next
year," SDSU head coach Jim Dietz said. "When we play non-league
opponents during the week, we really don’t spend too much time
(scouting opponents), unless we’re working for the post-season.
Right now, we’re just working with our own players trying to
develop some continuity."
Although they are out of playoff contention, the Aztecs still
have had big performances all season long from some veteran
contributors. Third baseman Brian Kooiman has been having a solid
season for the Aztecs, as has his counterpart at short, Tony
Zaragoza, though he is recovering from an injury.
"We’re not going to start a lot of the regulars, but primarily
the guys who have been having decent years are Kooiman and
Zaragoza," Dietz said. "When Tony has been able to play, those two
guys have been doing a real good job. They’ve been two of our more
consistent players."
Unlike the Bruins, the Aztecs are undecided about their starter
on the mound. In looking to next season, SDSU will utilize a total
staff effort.
"I would assume we’ll probably pitch six or seven pitchers to
get some guys a little work and try to evaluate some of our
pitchers," Dietz said.
Although their playoff hopes ended this past weekend at Cal,
there have been bright spots for the Bruins. Zak Ammirato raised
his average to .320 with a stellar four for four performance Sunday
and extended his hitting streak to 13 games. Catcher Tim DeCinces,
an All-American candidate, upped his average three points over the
weekend to raise it to a whopping .340 over the entire season.
Righthander Jeff Howatt will get the start for UCLA. Howatt, who
last appeared on Saturday against California, has an even 1-1
record on the season with a 5.24 ERA.