Last-place California visits Sancet

California (13-23, 1-14 in the Six-Pac) in is in town for a three game set, starting at 7 p.m. The No. 25 Wildcats (25-16, 8-7 in the Six-Pac) conclude their 10-game homestand - the longest of the season - with the series.

Having already seen the Golden Bears this season, Arizona should have a good feel of what they have to accomplish in order to have another strong series.

"We know that they have good speed, they run well and use the short game really well," Arizona head coach Jerry Stitt said. "We need to keep playing good defense against the short game, which we have done pretty well."

Despite Cal's conference worst 1-14 record, the Golden Bears are a better team than their record indicates. Cal has been without preseason All-American sophomore right-hander Ryan Drese, who has missed most of the season with a strained ligament in zhis throwing arm. Cal's losses have been in tight games as well. Eight of its conference losses have been decided by two runs or less.

"They are a good club," Stitt said. "They know they can play and we know that they can play, so it's not one of those things where anybody in our conference is not a good team."

The Wildcats are still trying to get their lineup healthy as well. Senior designated hitter Jeff Gjerde, who entered the season as one of the team's top returning hitters, has been hampered for most of the season with a injured right wrist.

Gjerde had surgery March 28 to remove the hamate bone and a bone chip from his wrist and must wear a cast until April 8. His wrist will be re-evaluted at that time.

Darrell Hussman will start tonight, with James Johnson pitching the 2 p.m. game tomorrow. Rob Shabanskywill get the start in Sunday's 1 p.m. contest.