Aztecs, Dirtbags Set for Midweek Clash at Blair Field

LONG BEACH, Calif. (Interstat) — The San Diego State Aztecs look to get back on track when they visit the Long Beach State Dirtbags in a nonconference baseball game Wednesday at Blair Field.

The Aztecs (19-18) arrive after being swept in a three-game weekend series at New Mexico, dropping their last three contests. Long Beach State (11-23) also seeks momentum after losing two of three to Cal State Fullerton at home.

A key matchup will feature San Diego State’s hot-hitting Tyce Peterson against a Long Beach State pitching staff seeking consistency. Peterson, a third baseman, went 2 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs in Sunday’s 12-8 loss to the Lobos. Over his last 10 games, he has five home runs and 14 RBIs.

For the Dirtbags, pitcher Jason Gerfers is a player to watch. The right-hander turned in a quality start last time out, allowing four earned runs over six innings with six strikeouts in Sunday’s 6-2 loss to Fullerton. His season, however, has been uneven, highlighted by a no-hitter with 12 strikeouts in a complete-game win over Cal State Bakersfield on March 22.

The teams met earlier this season on March 4 in San Diego, with the Aztecs claiming a 13-10 victory.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, San Diego State is projected to win 6-3.

Following Wednesday’s contest, the Dirtbags open a three-game Big West Conference series at home against UC Riverside on Friday. The Aztecs return home to host Seattle next Monday before a road trip to Cal State Northridge.