Nov. 13, 2012

LOS ANGELES – The USC baseball program wraps up its fall practice schedule with the traditional Cardinal and Gold Series this weekend at Dedeaux Field. The two-game series begins on Friday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. PT and culminates on Sunday, Nov. 18 with a 12 p.m. start.

The Trojans have been led this fall at the plate by junior infielder James Roberts (Cupertino, Calif./Archbishop Mitty), who has hit .438 through 16 split-squad scrimmages. He drove in 12 runs and eight of his 21 hits were doubles, with one home run. Transfer outfielder Greg Zebrack (Northridge, Calif./UPenn) started out the fall season hot, and to-date has batted .342 through 18 games with 15 RBIs and two home runs. Freshman outfielder Vahn Bozoian (Chino Hills, Calif./Ayala HS) has also had a strong fall, batting .452 through 15 games played, knocking 19 hits, including four doubles and two home runs.

On the mound, probable starters for the series on the Cardinal side include Bob Wheatley (Villa Park, Calif./Orange Lutheran HS), who is 3-0 in six starts, striking out 16 through 17.0 innings pitched and senior righthander Matt Munson (Irvine, Calif./Saddleback College), who has struck out 18 through 18.0 complete innings in seven appearances. For the Gold team, the probable starters are sophomore Wyatt Strahan (Villa Park, Calif./Villa Park HS), who holds a 2.00 ERA through 18.0 fall innings, striking out 12 and junior lefty Sean Silva (Fresno, Calif./Fresno City College), who has not allowed a run in the fall and has allowed only six hits through 11.0 innings of work.

The Trojans will open up the 2013 campaign on Friday, Feb. 15 at Cal State Fullerton and their home opener is set for Sunday, Feb. 17 against Nebraska.