Dirtbags take two of three from Rice

The Dirtbags took two out of three from nationally ranked Rice over the weekend, winning the first two in dramatic fashion at Blair Field. In the opener, the billing of a pitcher's duel more than lived up to the hype. Andrew Liebel went eight innings, surrendering just five hits. He struck out 11 while walking only one. Most importantly he kept Rice off the scoreboard. Equally impressive reigning National Freshman Pitcher of the Year Ryan Berry threw seven shutout innings while fanning 8 Dirtbags. Danny Espinosa's two-out bases loaded single brought home the winning run in the 10th to give the Dirtbags an exciting 1-0 victory.

Saturday brought much of the same drama as the night before. A close, low scoring game was once again the theme. Led again by Espinosa, who attacked the first pitch for the game winner on Friday, rocked the first pitch he saw in the third inning to put Long Beach up 2-0. Freshman Devin Lohman singled in the go ahead run in the eighth and the score held with the Dirtbags starting the season off well by posting back-to-back victories.

The Owls, led by a strong performance on the bump from Matt Langwell, avoided the sweep Sunday at Blair Field by eking out another barnburner, 3-1. Zach Barger's solo home run was the lone Dirtbag tally. Rice took a 2-0 lead with two unearned runs in the fourth, and failed to relinquish the lead after that.

Long Beach hosts San Diego tonight at Blair Field at 6:30 pm. The Shockers of Wichita State join the Dirtbags for a three game set Friday-Sunday.

Dirtbag Baseball, Ready to Go!

Welcome to the 2008 Dirtbag Baseball blog. I will be covering the Long Beach State baseball program as the season progresses hopefully into late June and famed Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, but let's not get ahead of ourselves before the first pitch has even been thrown out!

Much will be written about the team in both local papers and the Daily 49er right here on campus, but I will be hoping to provide both additional and alternative news and information about the team. As a former high school player and avid fan my passion for and knowledge of the game is immense. I'll be attending games and following the results so check in before or after contests for reactions, commentary and things to keep an eye on.

The season kicks off tomorrow with an exciting series against the 4th/14th (USA Today/Baseball America) ranked Rice Owls at Blair Field. Long Beach State, looking to bounce back from a disapointing first round exit from last year's regional, returns a great pitching staff that will anchor the team early. With the season condensed by nearly a month by new NCAA regulations it's a great luxury to have.

Long Beach has been selected a preseason top 20 pick, and as high as 13th, by multiple baseball sources after finishing the season unranked last year. Led by Vance Worley and Andrew Liebel on the bump, The Beach looks to make noise on the national scene right off the bat.

Three of the teams most productive hitters return looking to lead the Dirtbags to a Big West title as well. A strong infield is led by reigning first team Big West catcher Travis Howell and shortstop Danny Espinosa. At the hot corner is Brandon Godfrey the top returning hitter who posted a .333 clip for the '07 season. First baseman Shane Peterson looks to challenge Godfrey for the top spot this year after batting .327 last spring.