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UA heads to Tempe for three game series with No. 17 Sun Devils

This weekend's three-game series against Arizona State in Tempe technically doesn't mean anything in the Pacific 10 Conference standings.

Just don't tell that to UA and ASU players.

For the No. 25 Wildcats, fresh off a three-game sweep of No. 15 Tulane, a series against the rival Sun Devils couldn't have come at a better time.

"We have to momentum going into (the) ASU (series)." UA relief pitcher Tony Milo said. "We'd like to do the same (sweep) there."

The Wildcats and No. 17 Sun Devils (15-4) play six times a year but due to Pac-10 rules, only one series can count towards the standings. This season's series at Sancet Field will count, while this weekend's series in Tempe will not.

Not that this weekend's series will mean any less.

UA (13-8) has been inconsistent throughout the young season.

Following losses to San Francisco and Brigham Young, it was apparent the Wildcat pitching staff was below the level needed to compete in the Pac-10.

However, last weekend's sweep of Tulane showcased the potential of the Wildcat pitching staff.

"We have a chance to be a great team," senior starter Rob Shabansky said. "We're tired of playing .500 baseball."

The Wildcats will start sophomore ace Ben Diggins (4-0, 2-16 ERA) Friday night against ASU's John Switzer. Diggins has pitched two consecutive complete games, the first time a UA pitcher has done so since 1995.

Sophomore left-hander Brian Pemble will pitch for Arizona on Saturday afternoon, while Shabansky, who will make his second start of the season on Sunday.

"Right now, any win is important," UA pitching coach Bill Kinneberg said. "Sweeping a team really helps us out."