Stanford hosts UC Davis in nonconference matchup

STANFORD, Calif. (Interstat) — Stanford and UC Davis meet Monday at Klein Field at Sunken Diamond, with the Cardinal looking to build on a weekend sweep of Florida State while the Aggies try to snap a four-game skid.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m.

Stanford enters the game 21-19 overall after taking three games from the Seminoles, capped by a 7-4 victory Sunday. UC Davis (18-23) lost 8-3 to Long Beach State on Saturday, its fourth consecutive defeat.

Players to watch

Stanford first baseman Rintaro Sasaki has been the Cardinal’s most productive hitter. He went 1 for 3 with a home run and four RBIs in Sunday’s win and has homered in four of his last seven games. Over that stretch, Sasaki is batting .320 (8 for 25) with four home runs and 11 RBIs.

UC Davis right-hander Noel Valdez is expected to start. The junior has been inconsistent but is coming off a solid outing Saturday against Long Beach State, allowing two earned runs on eight hits over six innings with three strikeouts. Earlier this season, Valdez threw seven innings of three-run ball in a 5-3 win over Cal State Bakersfield on April 10.

Recent results

UC Davis has lost four straight, including a midweek defeat to Sacramento State (7-1 on April 22) and a series at Cal State Northridge in which the Aggies dropped two of three. First baseman Everet Johnson drove in the Aggies’ only run Saturday.

Stanford has won five of its last seven. The Cardinals swept a three-game set from Florida State, winning 4-3 and 8-7 in 11 innings before Sunday’s 7-4 decision. Nick Dugan earned the win Sunday with four innings of relief, allowing one earned run. Left fielder Jimmy Nati went 3 for 4 with two RBIs.

Projection

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-5 Stanford victory.

Up next

UC Davis travels to California on Wednesday before beginning a three-game series at Cal State Fullerton on May 1. Stanford opens a three-game series at Notre Dame on May 1.