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Here's links to stories on the Long Beach State Dirtbags sweep of St. Mary's College:

Friday: Long Beach Press-Telegram / CollegeSports.com
+++LongBeachState.com Story / Box Score
Saturday: Daily Breeze / Long Beach Press-Telegram / CollegeSports.com
+++LongBeachState.com Story / Box Score
Sunday: CollegeSports.com / Long Beach Press-Telegram
+++LongBeachState.com Story / Box Score

Now the good, the bad and the ugly...

By and large, the Dirtbags pitching continues to shine. Though Cesar Ramos got off to a rocky start Friday, hitting the 2nd and 3rd batters in the first inning, he settled down to give up only 2 hits in 6.0 innings, no runs, and only 1 walk against 5 strikouts. Brett Andrade had another rough appearance, but Steve Hammond and Andrew Liebel shut down the Gaels. Final result, only 1 run allowed.

On Saturday, the same result - one run allowed. But it took 10 innings for the 49ers to score enough runs to win. Cody Evans enjoyed the fruits of playing in a game not interrupted by rain, lightening and a tornado warning (did I forget to mention that there was a tornado warning in Tempe?). He gave up only 1 run on 4 hits, striking out 3 and walking none in 7.0 innings. Brian Anderson (2.0 innings) and Neil Jamison (1.0 innings) were, once again, stellar in relief - allowing only 1 baserunner (on a hit off Neil), while striking out 4 (Brian 3, Neil 1).

Marco Estrada proved human on Sunday, but pitched well enough to win yielding 3 runs (2 earned) in 5.0 innings. Freshmen Andrew Liebel and Matt Fitts each got an inning of work, neither giving up a run. It was Matt's first appearance for Long Beach State, and he made the best of it, giving up a hit but striking out 3. Neil Jamison pitched a scoreless 9th before the Dirtbags scored two in the bottom half to take the series sweep. Steve Hammond, making his 4th appearance in 6 games, had his first bad outing. In 1.0 inning, he walked two, gave up a hit, and 3 earned runs. The hit was, unfortunately, a home run by Gael rightfielder Sam Carter.

Long Beach stranded way too many runners. Friday, they had 13 hits, and another reached when hit by pitch, yet scored only 5 runs. Sunday, they again had 13 hits, 3 walks, and benefited from a balk. They scored 7. And Saturday, despite 8 hits, 5 walks, a hit batter and 2 St. Mary's errors, it took 10 innings to score 2 runs. With the schedule on tap, timely hitting needs to improve.

To state the obvious, the injury to Troy Tulowitzki's hand is a big concern. He apparently will be examined today, so hopefully we will learn soon how serious it is. Fingers crossed that he won't be out long. Hit bat, glove and leadership are major keys to the success of the season.

Chuck Sindlinger has come out of the box fast this season. Last year, he hit .257 in 113 at bats. Against ASU he slammed his 2nd Dirtbags home run. This weekend he went 6 for 14 for a .429 average, drove in 2, and scored 3 runs. On the season, he now has 10 hits in 29 at bats, for a .345 average.

Great job by Chris Jones laying down the squeeze bunt in the 10th inning Saturday! Big time play!

No knock on St. Mary's - they played tough and tenacious - but against most of the teams on the 49ers' schedule they will need to play better. Over the 3 games, they outscored the Gaels by only 6 runs, and two of the wins were not secured until the Dirtbags last at bat. I don't want to be overly negative, after all a sweep is a sweep! After manhandling ASU the first weekend of the season, hopefully the close calls this weekend will be a wake up call. On the other hand, I continue to be impressed with the Dirtbags never quit, never say die, playing style. They take the extra base. They play to the last out. Anyone who overlooks them does so at their peril. They are fun to watch!