A Look At The Weekend

Two Big Ten schools have games this weekend. Northwestern continues on with a three game set against Virginia Commonwealth. Penn State's season begins with a visit to New Orleans to take on #9 Tulane.

The Wildcats (1-2) have a tough battle with VCU (2-0) beginning Friday night. The Rams feature all-conference 2B Scott Sizemore. Sizemore (.364/12/56) is considered by some to be the front runner for the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year. Sergio Miranda, Sizemore's doubleplay partner, was also named a pre-season All CAA player by Baseball America.

RHP Harlod Mozingo (1-0) should probably take to the hill in Game 1. Mozingo was named BA's Pitcher of the Year and is also considered the best pitching prospect in the CAA. Northwestern will probably counter with George Kontos.

NU's Antonio Mule hit .400 versus South Florida last week earning the sophomore the Big Ten Player of the Week honor. Mule's teammate, Dan Schwartz was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week for his win over USF.

The Nittany Lions season begins with a three game series versus the Green Wave (3-1). The series should be quite a test for Robbie Wine's squad, as Tulane is ranked as high as ninth nationally (NCBWA poll) and, in spite of their youth, clearly look like a tournament team again in 2006. The Green Wave squad also has the advantage of having four games under their belt including a victory over defending national champion, Texas. Not that they need any extra help.

Tulane is led offensively by three Baseball America pre-season all-conference selections: Mark Hamilton (1B), Brad Emaus (3B) and Nathan Southard (OF). The Wave can also boast of incoming freshman, Aja Barto (OF) who BA selected as it's Conference USA Freshman of the Year. Sophomore 2B Cat Everett has started '06 on fire. Everett is pacing the Green Wave with a .429 average through the first four contests.

Tulane doesn't lack for pitching promise, either. Sean Morgan went 6-1 with five saves a year ago and is another potential all-conference choice. Closer Daniel Latham led C-USA in saves last season with 13. He has already earned two saves this year. Stephen Porlier (7.0 IP), Billy Mohl (7.0 IP) and Trey Martin (4.0) have each earned a win in '06 and all three have an ERA of 0.00.

There is also a fan run site for Tulane baseball. WaveBaseball.com provides tons of coverage as does the official team site (link in first paragraph).

While Penn State is projected to finish in the bottom half of the Big Ten, there are reasons of optimism in Happy Valley. PSU has, on paper, a decent enough offense. Matt Lewis, Lance Thompson, Joe Blackburn and Scott Gummo had fine seasons in '05. Alan Stidfole (6-4) returns to anchor the Lions staff.

The series will be broadcast on the internet with a link at PSU's site. Gametracker is available for the series, as well.