SoCal double switch
By Andrew Howard
March 3, 2008 9:05 p.m.
Eight months later, things have changed.
The perennial powerhouse has fallen on relatively hard times for its high standards, while the longtime underdog is one of a handful of contenders favored to win the College World Series.
It’s quite a different picture from the last time Cal State Fullerton and UCLA played each other eight months ago, when the Titans swept the Bruins 2-0 in the NCAA Super Regionals. But it’s the situation the two teams find themselves in this week.
The No. 3 Bruins (5-1) face the unranked Titans (3-4) in a two-game series, starting tonight at Goodwin Field and concluding Wednesday night at Jackie Robinson Stadium.
Eight months removed from the heart-wrenching series sweep at the hands of the more experienced Titan squad, the Bruins have gained some crucial perspective on the series. When asked how the team has changed since the Super Regionals, coach John Savage expounded upon one theme in particular: maturity.
“I feel that it is a sense of maturity,” Savage said. “We are a year older. I think that we learned a lot from that series as to what it takes to get to Omaha.”
The players also noted the change that has taken hold in this Bruin team.
“We are way closer than we were last season,” designated hitter Cody Decker said. “This team really gels well together, on the field and off. It’s an amazing thing to see. We are also more experienced than we were last year ““ even the freshmen. The young guys aren’t playing like freshmen.”
One freshman who has not shown any sign of intimidation is pitcher Dan Klein, who will get the start tonight. In three appearances this season, Klein has compiled a 1-1 record and a 1.35 ERA, allowing one run off seven hits while striking out eight.
Klein’s shining moment so far this season was the Bruins’ 5-4 victory over UC Santa Barbara in 13 innings. Klein came in to relieve Brendan Lafferty in the sixth inning with the Bruins trailing 4-3. Klein proceeded to shut out the Gauchos in 4 1/3 innings of work, striking out six and allowing four hits.
“He is very confident,” Savage said. “He is mature beyond his years. For him being a freshman and having a small taste of college baseball, he has performed very well. He has not been awed by any situation, whether the Oklahoma series or the Santa Barbara game.”
Sophomore Charles Brewer will get the start on Wednesday.
In the two games this week against Fullerton, the Bruins will face a Titans team that is different from the one that knocked them out of the postseason last year. The Titans have a new coach in Dave Serrano, and the team is not enjoying the same amount of success. The 12-time national champions have stumbled out the gate to a 3-4 record and have dropped out of the top 25.
Yet the Bruins are wary of the Titans, realizing it is early in the season, and the Bruins themselves got off to a rough start last season before rebounding to advance to the Super Regionals.
“Last season, we didn’t start off great early either,” senior catcher Brent Dean said. “We were ranked high early last season also and kind of fell off early, losing games we shouldn’t have. But there is so much parity in Southern California baseball, whether in the Pac-10 or Big West. You can’t underestimate anyone you play. Day in and day out, it’s always going to be a challenge. Fullerton has a huge history, and we can’t underestimate them, no matter what their record is.”
In the absence of starting catcher Ryan Babineau, who is listed as doubtful for today’s and Wednesday’s games because of a hip flexor injury, Dean has filled the hole in the Bruins’ offense. In three games over the weekend, Dean was 2-for-6 with three RBIs and three runs. Dean’s defense has been solid as well.
“You have to give credit to Dean for being ready and for stepping up,” Savage said. “It’s another example of a backup preparing and being ready to step in when he is needed, and it’s something everyone can learn from.”
If the Bruins wish to continue the current four-game winning streak they are on when they face Fullerton, the team needs to do one simple thing in the mind of Decker.
“Just got to stay together,” Decker said. “Nothing stands in our way but us. If we can play like we are capable of, there is no doubt we will play well.”
