This weekend another three-game series in California will add to the growth of BYU’s baseball team as it takes on UC Davis.
On Thursday the Cougars, now 0-3, will now play a doubleheader because of forecasted weather issues on Friday. Originally there was supposed to be a game on Friday, but the schedule was changed late Tuesday.
BYU will again start with junior Justin Shutt (0-1, 13.50) on the mound. The starter has been changed in the rotation for game two, as sophomore Matt Neil (0-0, 0.00) takes the hill in the second game on Thursday. Freshman Chunner Nyberg (0-1, 19.64) remains in the role as the game-three starter on Saturday.
“We are still getting our feet wet with our younger players getting experience and learning,” said BYU coach Vance Law. “I like the way we swung the bats and competed well. We just needed some key outs.”
Neil leads the Mountain West Conference in opposing batting average at .158 in 5.1 innings of relief and in fewest hits allowed, three. Teammate Alex Wolfe leads the MWC in doubles with three and the Cougars lead the league with nine doubles.
The Cougars lost three games last weekend at UC Riverside in their first outdoor action of the season. This week BYU has been able to have its first full practices outdoors.
UC Davis brought a 2-1 record into the week before playing the University of California on Tuesday.