MATT HEISTAND/Arizona Daily Wildcat Sophomore UA infielder Moises Duran catches a fly ball earlier this month against Stanford. The Wildcats begin a four-game non-conference stretch today against Grand Canyon University.

Arizona begins a week-long stretch of non-conference opponents today against Grand Canyon University, a Division II school.

The four-game Pac-10 hiatus comes in the middle of the Wildcats' conference season.

Even though the game is in the middle of the week and is a non-Pac 10 opponent, the game is a way for the Wildcats to work on some things to get ready for the second half of their conference schedule.

"We might be a little more active on offense to see what's working like hit-and-runs and stealing. We'll see how it goes and get some guys that need some work," freshman Rick Mercado said.

In the past, the Wildcats (23-15, 5-7) have played junior varsity teams in the middle of the week. Those games are viewed as scrimmages and don't count on team's records. However, today's game is an official one and has more meaning.

"If we win, it means nothing, but if we lose it means a lot because it goes on our record. It doesn't mean that much, but we'll be using it as a tune-up," Mercado said.

The Antelopes (33-13 overall, 22-9 in California Collegiate Athletic Association) swept all four games against California State Stanislaus last weekend in Phoenix and boast an eight-game winning streak.

UA used a pair of solid pitching performances to win two out of three from California in Berkley last weekend. Arizona dropped a 2-1 pitching duel on Sunday but won its first multiple-game series on the road this season.

"We played pretty well and competed all weekend," Mercado said. "It really builds your confidence because we know that we can come out a beat anybody."

Shortstop Brad Hassey hit a solo home run on Sunday and collected two hits in four at-bats to extend his hitting streak to 11 games.

Sophomore Chris Goodman picked up his second win on the season after four innings of relief in Saturday's 18-9 win.

"When I pitch, I just throw to the glove," Goodman said. "I didn't throw anything different."

It has been an offensive surge for the Wildcats, who scored 28 runs against the Golden Bears, the most against any Pac foe this season. On Saturday, UA scored 10 runs in the first inning on three hits and seven walks.

Junior Ken Riley, who was the weekend's designated hitter, went 5-for-9 in the series with two doubles to raise his batting average to a team-leading .326. Sophomore Brian Anderson went 3-for-6 with a grand slam and 5 RBIs.

Today's game against the Antelopes begins at 3 p.m. at Sancet Field.