The 2011 college baseball season continues with more noon-conference games for the next several weeks. TCU's series against Cal State Fullerton is one of the top series this weekend.
BYU vs. Texas Tech, Northern Illinois (Brooks Wallace Memorial Classic)
Brooks Wallace was a former Texas Tech shortstop and coach. The Brooks Wallace Award, originally given to the top college player of the year, is now an award exclusively for shortstops.
The classic started on Thursday, with BYU dropping its opening game against Texas Tech, 4-7. Center fielder Stephen Wells and left fielder Ryan Bernal each had three hits and an RBI. BYU struck out 10 times. They will regroup for a double-header on Friday.
TCU (No. 4) vs. Cal State Fullerton (No. 12)
The Fullerton Titans went 2-2 in the first weekend of play, losing to North Carolina and then taking two of three from Long Beach State. First baseman Nick Ramirez went 7-for-17 while Joe Terry had two triples and four RBI.
TCU, meanwhile, went 2-1 against Kansas last weekend and gained a solid victory over No. 16 Baylor on Tuesday. Matt Purke was on a pitch count in his first game and will likely be on one for a few more starts. With a blister on his left index finger, Purke is scheduled to start on Sunday
Utah at Arkansas
The Utes head into SEC territory with a weekend series against the Razorbacks. C.J. Cron leads the team with three hits in eight at-bats, a solo home run and a stolen base. Rick Anton will start Friday's game and Zach Adams will likely follow on Saturday. Adams struck out nine Cal Bears in five innings last weekend.
The Razorbacks swept a three-game series against the Delaware State Hornets last weekend. Outfielder Kyle Robinson has a team-best seven hits and six RBI while fellow outfielder Jarrod McKinney follows up with five hits. D.J. Baxendale (RHP) threw five shutout innings and struck out seven in his first start of the season. Six-foot-six lefty Cade Lynch picked up a save and seven strikeouts in four innings. Freshman Brandon Moore threw six shutout innings in his collegiate debut last Sunday.
San Diego State vs. San Diego
These close rivals play a three-game series with the Toreros hosting the middle game of the series against the Aztecs. San Diego State will have a webcast of the two home games, which can be found at goaztecs.com under the "Events" label.
Air Force vs. Navy
This year's Freedom Classic between these two service academies takes place at Grainger Stadium in Kinston, N.C. The Air Force holds a 13-12 all-time series lead over Navy. Senior outfielder Nathan Carter has six hits, a home runs and six RBI.
New Mexico vs. Creighton
The Lobos were swept in a three-game series against the Arizona St. Sun Devils last week and will want to make up for that against the Creighton Bluejays. Creighton is 3-1 with wins over Toledo, Canisius and Kansas. Lobos pitchers will need to watch out for Michael Mutcheson (.500 BA, .733 OBP) and Alex Staehely (two doubles, one triple)
UNLV vs. Central Michigan
UNLV's Rance Roudy was the MWC Player of the Week for his .412 batting average with four home runs and nine RBI against Maine. Can he help the Rebels stay undefeated against the Chippewas?