Utes, Pepperdine on tap this week

Rival Utah (11-10) on Tuesday night precedes BYU’s return to West Coast Conference play when it hosts Pepperdine in a three-game series starting Thursday at Miller Park.

The Cougars (11-12 overall, 0-3 in WCC) play at Spring Mobile Ballpark against Utah in the first of four games in the Deseret First Duel on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Freshman right-hander Keaton Cenatiempo (1-1, 5.40) starts on the mound for BYU against the Utes.

"Playing Utah was always special as a player and I'm looking forward to being involved in it as as coach," BYU coach Mike Littlewood said.

West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Week Desmond Poulson (3-0, 1.83) starts on the hill Thursday when BYU begins its three-game series with league-leading Pepperdine at 6  p.m. MDT.  Cougars Adam Miller (1-5, 5.62) and Jeff Barker (3-2, 3.66) are scheduled to start the final two games against the Waves, on Friday at 6 p.m., and Saturday at 1 p.m., respectively.

The Cougars have been leading the nation in double plays, averaging 1.52 a game.  BYU has not turned a double play in four of its 23 games.

All the games this week will be broadcast live on KOVO Radio 960 AM and Friday’s game will be televised live by BYUtv.