Breaking News: Cal Baseball Hosts NC State in Crucial 3-Game Series; Advincula’s All-American Season Boosts Bears Heading into Easter Sunday Off
Cal Baseball Looks to Build Momentum at Home against NC State in Key ACC Showdown
Bears Welcome Wolfpack in Must-Win ACC Series
Among the rolling hills of Berkeley, the California Golden Bears (18-18, 12-12 ACC) are set to host the NC State Wolfpack (24-12, 9-6 ACC) in a pivotal three-game series at Stu Gordon Stadium from Thursday to Saturday. This midweek slate, with games scheduled for 6 PM PT on Thursday and Friday, and a 2 PM PT start on Saturday, ensures a well-deserved Easter Sunday off for both squads.
Cal’s Home Stretch: A Chance to Solidify Postseason Hopes
The Bears, after starting a crucial 12-game homestand with a convincing 9-2 win over Fresno State, are eager to capitalize on their home field advantage. With three ACC series and two nonconference matchups remaining at Stu Gordon Stadium, Cal is poised to make a strong push for the NCAA Tournament.
Bears vs. Wolfpack: A Clash of ACC Favorites
This series promises to be a hard-fought clash between two ACC contenders. Despite meeting only once before, a 4-0 Cal victory in 2011, both teams enter this series with high stakes and determined to emerge victorious. With six of Cal’s ten ACC series against ranked opponents, including this one, the Bears are primed for a battle-tested end to their regular season.
Probable Pitching Matchups
- Thursday: LHP David Shaw (0-3, 8.78 ERA) vs. NC State
- Friday: RHP Austin Turkington (4-4, 5.00 ERA) vs. NC State
- Saturday: RHP Oliver de la Torre (2-2, 4.66 ERA) vs. NC State
Can Cal’s Offense Continue Its Hot Streak?
With an impressive resume boasting top-10 ACC rankings in hits, home runs, doubles, and batting average, the Bears’ offense has shown no signs of slowing down. Second baseman Jarren Advincula’s All-American-caliber season, with 61 hits and a .389 average, anchors the loaded lineup. Cal’s aggressive approach at the plate, evident in their 13 triples (most in the ACC), has also fueled their success.
Bears’ Pitching: A Work in Progress
While the Bears’ bats have been red-hot, their pitching staff has struggled to find consistent form. Shaw, Turkington, and de la Torre will need to step up this weekend to give Cal a chance against a powerful NC State lineup. The Wolfpack rank second in the ACC in scoring, averaging 7.3 runs per game.
Key Trends and Storylines
Close Contests: Cal has played 11 games decided by two runs or less this season, with a 3-8 record in those tightly contested affairs. They’ll need to knapp their focus and execute in pressure situations to secure wins against the Wolfpack.
Midweek Magic: The Bears have been nearly unbeatable on weekdays, posting a perfect 7-0 record with an impressive 65-37 scoring margin. They’ll look to continue that trend and build momentum heading into the weekend.
Did You Know?
Pro Tip:
Cal’s Easter Sunday break from action follows a recent trend of the Bears enjoying success during bye weeks. Last season, they went on a 20-5 run after a similar break in late April.
FAQs
Q: Which TV channel or streaming service can I watch the games on?
A: The series will be streamed on ACCNX/ESPN+ with commentary provided by Tyler Petersen. Cal Student Radio will also provide a live stream on KALX 90.7 FM Berkeley with play-by-play by Aidan Stecher and analysis by Elijah Hughes.
Prediction
With both teams hungry for a series win, expect a hard-fought battle throughout the weekend. Cal’s offense has the firepower to keep them in every game, but their starting pitchers will need to step up and limit the Wolfpack’s potent lineup. We predict a split series, with the Bears taking the opener and the Wolfpack claiming one of the weekend games.
Call to Action
What are your thoughts on Cal’s chances this weekend? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to explore more of our Bears coverage here on 247Sports. Stay tuned for live updates and analysis throughout the series!