Cal Baseball to Host Annual Alumni Game Sunday
BERKELEY – Cal baseball fans will have an early opportunity to enjoy the 2014-15 Golden Bears play as David Esquer’s squad will be competing against an Alumni team at Evans Diamond during the annual Alumni Baseball Game, this Sunday, Oct. 19 (Papa Bear game at 10 a.m., batting practice at 12 p.m. and Alumni game at 1 p.m.), as part of the 2014 Cal Baseball Alumni Weekend. Admission is free.
Looking to keep the momentum going after an outstanding finish to last season, the Golden Bears began 2014 fall practice during the first weekend of October in preparation for the 2015 campaign.
Cal should be inspired after last year’s finish as they won four of its last five Pac-12 series in 2014, including road series at Stanford, USC and Oregon. Additionally, Cal showed its ability with home series wins versus Utah and 2012 NCAA champion Arizona, as well as early-season victories over Texas, Arkansas, Auburn and Baylor.
“Playing in the country’s best conference poses a perennial challenge,” said Cal coach David Esquer. “But, series wins at Stanford, USC and Oregon – added to home series over Utah and Arizona and undefeated play in tournaments at Auburn and San Diego – should serve as inspiration for our team as we look ahead to the 2015 season.
The Bears did lose a strong senior class from 2014 to graduation – Devon Rodriguez, Kyle Porter, Derek Campbell, Vince Bruno, Mike Reuvekamp, Trevor Hildenberger, Jacob Wark and Michael Theofanopoulos – but return several young players who gained valuable experience in 2014 and will be key performers in 2015.
A top pitcher for Esquer’s squad will be 6-7 junior right-hander Ryan Mason, who finished his sophomore season 7-1 with a 3.06 ERA, including victories over Texas, Baylor, Washington, Stanford, Arizona, USC and Oregon. Another top returner is junior outfielder Devin Pearson, who struggled with injuries in 2014, but had a stellar freshman year when he batted .302. Seniors Brenden Farney (.308 average in 2014) and Chris Paul (2014 Northwoods League All-Star) will also supply the Bears with experience.
“Looking ahead to next spring, we are progressing toward our goal of returning to postseason play and a chance to return to the College World Series,” said Esquer, who was the National Coach of the Year in 2011 when he led the Bears to Omaha. “With the experience gained in 2014 by our four full-time freshman players (third baseman Lucas Erceg, outfielder Aaron Knapp, Daulton Jefferies, Robbie Tenerowicz), a group of hungry sophomores and juniors, and a solid freshman recruiting class, the future of Cal baseball looks bright.”
In addition to the Alumni Game, Cal baseball will be hosting a scrimmage versus Pepperdine at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, free to the general public.
The 2015 schedule for Cal baseball is still being finalized, but the Bears will be hosting a three-game series against Duke, Feb. 13-15 at Evans Diamond to open the year. Cal will also be hosting a four-game series versus 2014 CWS participant UC Irvine Feb. 20-22, as well as Pac-12 series versus Oregon (March 13-15), Washington State (April 2-4), Stanford (April 10-12), Arizona State (May 1-3) and USC (May 16-18).
Baseball fans should be on the lookout for the announcement of the date of other Cal baseball special events as well, including the fourth annual Fanfest at Evans Diamond in the spring prior to the opening series versus Duke.