Wildcats host top-ranked UCLA

The Wildcats (17-9, 3-0 in the Six-Pac) swept Cal in all three games Berkeley, Calif. for their first Six-Pac sweep since 1993 and first road sweep since 1989.

The Bruins (20-2-1) recently took over the No. 1 ranking in Baseball America and have won 12 of their last 13 games.

Despite UCLA's gaudy record and statistics, the Wildcats plan to take the same approach the have up to this point.

"It's the same thing that it takes to be successful against anybody," UA head coach Jerry Stitt said. "We have to pitch, and play defense and put the ball in play."

The Bruins are hitting .361 with a slugging percentage of .641 and a total of 55 homers.

Their offensive leader is All-American third baseman Troy Glaus, who is hitting .433 with 12 home runs. His 39 RBI and a .557 on-base percentage are team bests among starters.

Bruin pitching is just as solid. Opponents are hitting .254 against them and the Bruins own a team ERA of 3.81.

The Wildcats will try to counter with some strong hitting and pitching of their own. Junior center fielder Diego Rico leads the team with his .440 batting average and has hit safely in 19-straight games.

Junior first baseman Kenny Corley, who leads the squad with eight home runs and 30 RBI, is another offensive threat.

Stitt has been pleased with pitching staff.

"Just about every guy that we put out there has done what he was supposed to do," Stitt said. "They threw strikes and stayed ahead in the count and did a good job."

Sophomore right-hander Darrell Hussman (2-1) will start tonight. Sophomore left-hander Rob Shabansky (5-1) will pitch Saturday afternoon's contest and sophomore southpaw James Johnson (2-3) will pitch the series finale on Sunday.