The Cal Poly baseball team maintained its lead in the Big West Conference after winning two out of three games against UC Irvine last weekend, according to a May 7 announcement. The Mustangs now continue their eight-game road trip with a crucial series at Cal State Fullerton.
This series is significant as both teams vie for position in the conference standings, with Cal Poly entering the weekend one game ahead of second-place UC Santa Barbara and six conference games remaining. The Mustangs have an overall record of 27-20 and are 17-7 in conference play, while the Titans stand at 21-26 overall and are tied for fourth place in the Big West.
Game times are set for Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday afternoon at Goodwin Field. All games will be streamed on ESPN+, with links available on the Cal Poly baseball schedule page. Last season, when Cal Poly visited Goodwin Field, they won four out of five games to secure the Big West tournament title and earn a spot in the NCAA regionals.
Key players for Cal Poly include sophomore shortstop Nate Castellon (.360 average), junior third baseman Alejandro Garza (.347 average), junior catcher Ryan Tayman (.335 average), fifth-year center fielder Casey Murray Jr. (.330 average), and right fielder Dylan Kordic (.303 average). On the pitching side, junior right-hander Griffin Naess (5-3) is scheduled to start Friday’s game against Titan senior Mikiah Negrete (7-3).
The Titans have historically been strong contenders in college baseball with multiple national championships and appearances in NCAA tournaments. Head coach Jason Dietrich is currently leading his fifth season with Cal State Fullerton after coaching stints at several other colleges and playing professionally following his collegiate career.
Cal Poly has recently enjoyed success against Fullerton, winning 13 of their last 16 meetings. Head coach Larry Lee earned his 1,200th career victory last weekend and has led the Mustangs to four NCAA postseason appearances during his tenure. The team will close its road trip next week before finishing regular-season play at home.
