Toreros looking for revenge against baseball
Phillips’ one-hitter on USD’s mind as Bruins try to keep playoff
hopes alive
By Ruben Gutierrez
The Toreros just hope they don’t see anymore of John Phillips as
they travel to Jackie Robinson stadium to face the UCLA baseball
team this evening.
In the prior meeting between the two clubs this season, Phillips
put in a virtuoso performance from the mound. Phillips pitched the
full nine innings for UCLA (23-20 overall) and not only walked away
with a 4-0 shutout victory over USD (21-20 overall), but also added
a one-hitter to his resume.
Even more enticing was the fact that the hit Phillips allowed
was controversial. Then third baseman Troy Glaus bobbled the
grounder and was late on the throw, but it was recorded by the
official scorer at USD as a hit. In any case, head coach Gary Adams
called it the best pitching performance in his 21-year UCLA
stint.
"I’m sure they’ll be out for a little revenge," Adams said.
"John did a great job of shutting them down last time and I’m sure
they’ll come here with that in mind."
The talented Torero hitting corps is led by leftfielder Brady
Clark. Clark owns a .303 batting average to go along with five
homers and 25 RBIs, second on the team in both categories.
Centerfielder Larry Williams is the Torero’s RBI king, driving in
27 runs and hitting a club-high 10 doubles. Like Clark, Williams
has appeared in all games for the Toreros. First baseman Kevin
Schramm has started only a little over half the season for USD, but
his team-leading six dingers have quickly proven he is a valuable
asset.
Although the Toreros have not decided on a starter from the
mound, their bullpen boasts experienced starters. Southpaw Travis
Burgess boasts the best numbers, with a 2.25 ERA and an 8-5 record.
Although righthander Chad Halliburton has a 4.08 ERA, he is the
Torero strikeout leader, averaging nearly one in each inning of
work. Halliburton owns a 5-4 record.
For the Bruins, the main focus will be on taking another victory
from the Toreros after dropping three to USC last weekend. A
victory would help keep alive Bruin hopes of reaching the regional
playoffs.
"We’re just looking to get back in the win column and USD would
be a good game to do that," Adams said. "It would definitely help
(the morale of the team) to come away with a win."
Offensively, catcher Tim DeCinces continues at a rapid clip,
leading the team in average with .337 and hitting a club-high nine
homers. DeCinces also is second on the team with 38 RBIs. DeCinces,
along with Phillips, was a thorn in the Torero’s side last time,
hitting two home-runs in the victory. Rightfielder Eric Byrnes also
provides a huge spark for UCLA, boasting a .318 average with seven
round-trippers.
According to Adams, the status of tonight’s starter from the
mound is "up in the air." Most likely, expect a staff effort from
the Bruins with upwards of three pitchers combining for a few
innings of work apiece.