**SCHEDULE CHANGE** Friday's game has been moved up to 3:05 p.m. due to possible inclement weather.
The Washington Huskies (11-5, 2-1 Pac-12) successfully opened Pac-12 play in Eugene, Ore., by taking two of three against the Ducks and will try to keep their momentum rolling against the USC Trojans (8-11, 2-1) at Husky Ballpark this weekend. The Dawgs and Trojans both went 2-1 in Pac-12 play last week, so this weekend will be key in establishing a pecking order in the conference.
They open the three-game series Friday at 3:00 p.m., followed by a 2:00 p.m. contest Saturday and series finale at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.
All three of the games will be live streamed on Washington's Pac-12 live streaming platform (
pac-12.com/live/university-washington-2). Links to live stats can be found online at GoHuskies.com // Sports // Baseball // Schedule. Constant updates are also available via Twitter and Instagram: @UW_Baseball.
SERIES HISTORY VS. USC
USC holds the series advantage over Washington 40-38 but the Huskies have won six of the last seven series -- including the last three -- to drastically close the gap. UW is 15-6 over the last 21 games and 12-5 over the last 17 against USC. Last year, USC won game one in Los Angeles, 1-0, before the Huskies bounced back to win the final two games in the series, 5-2 and 9-4, rallying from a deficit in both games. USC's last series win came in 2015 in Seattle, when they took two of three. The Huskies went 2-1 last time at Husky Ballpark in 2017. UW is 17-10 against USC under
Lindsay Meggs, who went to UCLA. The Dawgs are 10-2 over the last nine games in LA. The two teams first met back in 1959.
NOTEWORTHY
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Big Run Differentials: In UW's 11 wins, they are averaging 10.4 runs per game, but in their five losses the Huskies are averaging 1.4 runs (-9). UW has scored nine or more runs seven times but conversely they have been shutout twice, 1-0. They are averaging 7.6 runs in 16 games, holding opponents to 3.4 runs (-4.2).
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UW Pitcher In Control: UW pitcher's are once again showing remarkable control on the mound. The Huskies lead the Pac-12 in fewest walks allowed (45), fewest wild pitches (4) and are tied for second lowest total of hit batters. They led the Pac-12 in all three of those categories in 2018, despite 8 extra post-season games.
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Micheles Going K-razy: Junior
Chris Micheles has been dominant out of the bullpen with 25 strikeouts in 13.2 innings. His 16.5 strikeouts per 9 innings would rank second nationally if he qualified. He has struck out at least two batters in each of his last eight appearances.
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Pays To Steal/Doesn't Pay To Steal: The Huskies are 20-of-22 in stolen base attempts this season, thanks in large part to Pac-12 leader
Braiden Ward (14-for-16). Conversely, opponents are 3-for-7 in stolen bases against the Huskies. Last weekend, the Pac-12 leaders in stolen bases and attempts, Oregon (30-for-42), did not attempt a stolen base in the series.
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Jones Milestones: Junior
Jordan Jones has passed the 150 strikeout and 200 inning plateaus for his career. He is just outside of the Huskies top-10 lists in both categories. He is 38 K's away from becoming the sixth player in UW history to go 200/200 in both categories.
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Kahle Tough To K: Junior
Nick Kahle has been walked 18 times (5 times intentionally) and struck out only 7 times. He is tied for third in the Pac-12 for free passes.
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Cerrillo Enjoying March:
Mason Cerrillo is hitting .441 in March (15x34) to raise his average from .200 to .339.
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Iron Man Kahle:
Nick Kahle has started 77 straight games, which is even more amazing considering his main position is catcher. He's made 71 of those starts at catcher, two in left field and one at designated hitter.
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Oh, Canada: Not surprisingly since it's just over a 90 minute drive from Seattle to Canada, but two of three UW weekend starters hail from neighboring British Columbia. Freshman
David Rhodes hails from White Rock, B.C., while Sunday starter
Josh Burgmann is from Nanaimo, B.C. Additionally, midweek starter
Jack DeCooman is from North Vancouver, B.C.
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900th Conference Win: With their win on Saturday vs. the Ducks, the Huskies secured their 900th win in conference action (dating back to 1916). They are the seventh current Pac-12 team to win 900 conference games.