Tuesday, 4/29/97 Bruins seek redemption for last weekend’s
losses Fullerton to try a late-season recovery against struggling
UCLA
By Tim Yun Daily Bruin Contributor The Bruins, coming off of a
disappointing weekend in which they lost two out of three games to
the Trojans, will attempt to regain their dominating form against
Cal State Fullerton at Titan Field tonight. The team was flat in
its two losses this weekend, as it gave up a total of 21 runs in
the two games. The two setbacks cost the Bruins two spots in the
Baseball America national rankings. The squad dropped from No. 2 to
No. 4. More importantly, the Bruins lost precious ground in the
competitive Six-Pac race. Going into the weekend, the Bruins were
tied for first place in the league with Stanford. But after the
Cardinal swept last-place California over the weekend, the Bruins
fell two games behind the league leader. The Bruins will try to
repeat their earlier performance against Fullerton, in which the
Bruins emerged victorious, 7-6, at Jackie Robinson Stadium on March
11. The Titans, who have won six games in a row, appear to be
making a late-season push to get into postseason play. In its last
six games, the team has been averaging over 12 runs, while limiting
the opposition to a mere six runs per game. The streak of wins
includes a 24-4 shellacking of New Mexico State. The Bruins will
invade Titan Stadium, where Fullerton has an impressive record of
16-7-0 this season. Bruin starting pitcher Gabe Crecion (1-1, 3.66
earned-run average) will have his hands full with a potent Titan
offense. Fullerton boasts six players who are batting over .340,
led by senior second baseman Jerome Alviso (.373). Another senior,
C.J. Ankrum (.347), figures to play a big part in the Titans’
offense. With a series against California coming up this weekend,
head coach Gary Adams and the team would like to start the week on
a high note. Crecion will try to repeat his last performance in
which he pitched three innings, allowed two hits and gave up only
one earned run against the University of San Diego. SUSIE MING HWA
CHU/Daily Bruin Sophomore Eric Valent hits against USC on
Sunday.