Broncos Host Cal Poly, Travel To Saint Mary's

Matt Ozanne

Posted: Apr 12, 2011

By Brandon Rebboah

Santa Clara, Calif.- Santa Clara ends its 16-game homestand with a mid-week game Tues., Apr. 12 before going on the road against Bay Area rival Saint Mary's (14-13). The Broncos open the week with a home game against Cal Poly (11-16) on Tues.,Apr.12 at 6 p.m. After their game with the Mustangs, the Broncos will travel to Moraga, Calif. to battle Saint Mary's in a WCC series beginning Fri., Apr. 15. The three-game set will continue on Sat., Apr. 16 and the final game will be played Sun., Apr. 17.

Fans should keep an eye on SantaClaraBroncos.com, @SCUBroncos on Twitter or the athletics Facebook fan page for in-game updates.

Game Notes Week # 9 Apr. 12- Apr. 16, 2011

Cal Poly @ Santa Clara
Tues., Apr. 12, 2011 6 p.m. Stephen Schott Stadium
Probable Starters: Chris Mendoza (2-3; 3.68 ERA) vs. LHP Kyle Anderson (1-5; 5.73 ERA)

Santa Clara @ Saint Mary's
Fri., Apr. 8, 2011 6 p.m. Louis Guisto Field (Moraga, Calif.)
Probable Starters: RHP Cory Hall (3-4; 3.67 ERA) vs. Mark Anderson (6-1; 2.04 ERA)

Sat., Apr. 8, 2011 1 p.m. Louis Guisto Field (Moraga, Calif.)
Probable Starters: TBD vs. Martin Agosta (3-4; 2.81 ERA)

Sun., Apr. 9, 2011 1 Louis Guisto Field (Moraga, Calif.)
Probable Starters: TBD vs. Kyle Barraclough (3-3; 2.96 ERA)

Santa Clara Pitching
Santa Clara senior RHP Cory Hall continues to perform well for the Broncos and taking over the Friday night starting role. Hall has twice pitched nine innings for the Broncos. Through eight appearances, Hall leads the team in innings pitched (54.0) and strikeouts (40). He tallied a season-high 11 strikeouts in his Mar. 26 complete game against Brown. Senior RHP J.R. Graham (2-1; 3.86 ERA) has proven his value by starting his first game of the season against Loyola Marymount. The team's typical closer, Graham hurled 5.1 innings in a start against LMU. Before his start, Graham posted a 1.59 ERA in 22 innings of work. His performances have been highlighted by a four-inning stint in a 13-inning win against Bakersfield. From Mar. 1 to Apr. 3 Graham posted a 0.60 ERA. LHP Powell Fansler (3-1; 3.58 ERA) continues to have a strong rookie season, and has moved into the weekend rotation. Fansler has the lowest ERA of any pitcher (3.58). Through 27.2 innings, he has fanned 15 batters. Look for RHP Chris Mendoza (2-3; 3.63 ERA) to provide the Broncos a solid spot start. Mendoza is allowing batters just a .297 average on the year.

Santa Clara Offense
Senior C/DH Patrick Terry continues to post solid numbers for the Broncos, hitting .333 on the year. Terry is currently riding a 11-game hitting streak. He leads the team in slugging percentage (.427) and has 15 RBI on the season. Freshman 3B Kyle DeMerritt is having a stellar rookie campaign, leading the team in batting average (.340), runs (23), hits (36) and RBI (19). DeMerritt takes advantage of his opportunities, hitting .500 with runners in scoring position. All-WCC preseason selection, senior 1B Curtis Wagner is tied for a team-high seven doubles and is tied for first in total bases (41). Sophomore OF Matt Ozanne is second on the team with 18 RBI. His twin brother, 3B/DH Drew Ozanne has found seen more playing time lately. He has served as the team's designated-hitter since his walkoff single against Bakersfield on Apr. 1.

Cal Poly
Cal Poly comes in with a record of 11-16 and lost two straight to UC Santa Barbara, including a 13-inning defeat. Offensively, they are led by Bobby Crocker and DJ Gentile. Crocker leads the team in total bases (44), at-bats (105) and hits (33). He has also homered once this season. DJ Gentile has started 26 out of 27 the Mustangs have played, while posting a .253 average and five doubles. On the mound, starter Mason Radeke (4-1) has started eight games for the Mustangs. He leads the team in innings (51.0) and strikeouts (60). He is allowing just a .227 average to opposing teams.

Saint Mary's
Saint Mary's won its WCC series against San Francisco last weekend and visit UC Davis before hosting Santa Clara. At the beginning of the week the Gaels are 14-13, picking up 10 wins on the road. Troy Channing and Patrick Wisdom is the offensive sparks for the Gaels, combining for eight homers and 37 RBI. Channing has knocked in 14 RBI, while hitting .307 on the season. Wisdom leads the team in at-bats (102), RBI (23) and hits (36). Saint Mary's pitching staff is led by Mark Anderson and Martin Agosta. Anderson has pitched three complete games, pitching 57.1 innings to date. Agosta leads the team in strikeouts (40) and has allowed 13 earned runs this season.

Quotable

--- "It's a test of our character," said head coach Mark O'Brien. "We just have to get back to competing. It's still early enough for us to fight, scratch and claw our way back into things."

--- "I thought Cory was outstanding," said head coach Mark O'Brien. "He gave us a chance to win and that is what you ask out of your Friday starter."

--- "We thought J.R. would give us a good advantage in his first start," said head coach Mark O'Brien. "He just left a couple balls up. It was a difficult day, but we're not going to stop fighting. This will just test our attitude."