Husky Baseball: Cal Preview
April 13th-15th at Cal
Husky Record: 17-13
Husky Road Record: 7-6
Husky Conference Record: 4-5
University of California: Berkeley
Location: Berkeley, CA
Mascot: Golden Bears
Enrolment: 26,000
Coach: David Esquer (13th Season)
Conference: Pacific 12 Conference
Ranking: 66th in RPI
2011 Record: 17-14
Conference Record: 2-7
Home Record: 7-4
2011 Record against Huskies: 3-0
Don’t be deceived by Cal’s winning record, they inflated their winning percentage with an easy non-conference schedule at the beginning of the year, and have quickly slid once starting conference play. The Golden Bears’ only series victories have come against 203rd ranked Pacific, 278th ranked Lehigh, and 40th ranked Texas. A three game series against Cal should be a good way to regroup after winning just two of their last eight games.
Cal has a powerful offense led by Mitch Delfino, Tony Renda, Chad Krist, and Chad Bunting. These four account for nearly half of Cal’s hits, about 75% of their homeruns, more than 60% of their extra base hits, and over half of the RBIs and total bases for the Bears. Thankfully, the Dawgs have the right pitching staff to handle this powerful offense, because the three probably starters allow an average of one homerun per every 20 innings.
While the Cal offense is powerful, the pitching staff is not so impressive. The three probable starters for Cal this weekend hold ERAs of 4.50, 2.33, and 4.97. Two of these starters have also demonstrated control problems this season. Even their closer has an ERA in the mid fours.
The Huskies need a solid series this weekend to rebound and recharge before taking on 22nd ranked Arizona.