By Marc Buchanan
After suffering its first series loss of the season, BYU baseball looks to get back on the winning track when the Air Force Falcons come to town today, tomorrow and Saturday.
The Cougars, off to their second best start in season history, faced the 17th ranked Oregon State Beavers Monday and Tuesday.
In Game 1 of the series, the Cougars faced Beaver pitcher Jonah Nickerson, who came into the game with a 4-0 record and an ERA of 1.05. Nickerson shut down BYU?s strong offense, limiting the Cougars to five hits through five innings and striking out eight. Although BYU put up four runs in the eighth inning, the Beavers? consistent offense prevailed as they won 12-5.
Game 2 of the series started off well for the Cougars when Sean McNaughton led off the game with a first-inning homer. However, the Beavers answered right back by hitting a lead off home run of their own in the bottom of the first.
After BYU pitchers gave up 16 hits in the game, which is the most they have given up this season, Oregon State would add ten more runs and pull out the victory 11-6.
The Cougars, who are tied for first in the Mountain West Conference with UNLV, face last place Air Force. Despite the Falcons 5-17 record, BYU head coach Vance Law said the team has to be ready.
?We can never look past anyone,? Law said.
Game time is at 7 p.m. for today and tomorrow?s games. Due to general conference weekend, Saturday?s game will start at 8 p.m. and anyone attending the game in a shirt and tie will receive half price admission.
