Return to host WCC play vs. Portland

A confidence-boosting upset helps BYU’s baseball team as it returns to league action at home against Portland starting Thursday.

BYU (12-16 and 4-5 in the West Coast Conference) is riding the crest of a 4-0 shutout over No. 29 San Diego State last Monday. The Cougars host the Pilots (5-24 and 1-8) in a three-game series on Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m. MDT, and on Saturday at noon.

“We are looking forward to getting back to Miller Park after a tough week on the road,” BYU coach Mike Littlewood said. “We just want to get back to playing good, solid, fundamental baseball.”

The upset at SDSU halted a four-game losing streak from last week when BYU fell out of a second-place tie with three losses at first-place San Diego and a come-from-behind loss at rival Utah.

“This is such an important series for us as we try to work our way back into the top four in the standings,” Littlewood said. “We realize the importance of taking care of business at home, especially during conference play.

“I fully expect our guys to come out with energy and renewed commitment to reaching our goals.”

Starting on the mound on Thursday is Kolton Mahoney and Jeff Barker on Friday in games televised live by BYUtv. Saturday’s starter in the noon game is Brandon Kinser. Waiting in the wings is reliever Michael Rucker who has a dozen appearances and the one start in last Monday’s upset win.