Postseason resumes are usually judged based on weekend series wins and losses, but the RPI doesn't discriminate between weekend and midweek games. That has been one of the secrets to UCLA's recent success -- they win midweek. Mostly as a result of their pitching depth, the Bruins have been excellent on Tuesdays, boosting their RPI and putting themselves in position to host Regionals every year.
UCLA's first midweek test of the season comes tonight when they host Cal State Northridge. The Matadors were picked to finish eighth in the nine-team Big West so the Bruins are hardly coming up against a juggernaut, but Portland aren't a powerhouse either and they have UCLA everything they could handle over the weekend.
Grant Dyer will get the nod for UCLA tonight in his first collegiate start. Dyer beat out fellow freshman Scott Burke for the Tuesday starting spot and some of his nerves should be out of the way after throwing one scoreless inning of relief on Saturday. He'll be opposed by Calvin Copping, who was 5-5 with a 3.90 ERA last season so the Bruins' offense is going to be challenged.
The game starts at 6 p.m. PT and, as always, you can listen along with John Ramey and Tim Wilhelm. You can also follow along on my UCLA baseball Twitter and on Gamecast. This is your open thread so fill it with updates, thoughts and whatever else you have as UCLA tries to continue their Tuesday success.