Who’s the most dominant pitcher in the area during the past five years?
The answer could come Friday at 4 p.m. when former Area Players of the Year Adam Plutko, of Glendora, and Justin Garza, of Bonita, square off to lead Southern California collegiate baseball powers UCLA and Cal State Fullerton, who meet for game one of a NCAA Super Regional at Fullerton’s Goodwin Field.
The best of three series, which will decide a spot in the 2013 College World Series in Omaha, Neb., continues with 7 p.m. games on Saturday and Sunday. The matchup also features some of the Valley’s best players in recent years.
Besides Plutko, who led Glendora to its first CIF-Southern Section title in 2010, UCLA also features former Glendora standout Cody Regis at second base, and Bishop Amat’s David Berg, who is the top closer in the country. Fullerton looks to Garza, who last season led Bonita to its first CIF-SS crown since 1951, and Northview’s Richy Pedroza, who starts at shortstop. Other locals on the the rosters are UCLA reliever Jake Ehret (San Dimas), and Fullerton reserves David Olmedo-Barrera (St. Francis), Henry Omana (Diamond Bar) and Dave Birosak (Chino Hills).
Here’s a brief look at the local’s fab five, who should make an impact this weekend:
JUSTIN GARZA: The freshman, who was 25-1 during his last two years at Bonita, has picked up where he left off, brining a 12-0 record and a
1.92 ERA into Friday’s opener. He also has a team-high 89 strikeouts. He was Big West Pitcher of the Year and received a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America honor. Fullerton is also 16-0 when he starts.
ADAM PLUTKO: Since leading Glendora to its first division title in 2010, has been money for UCLA, going 27-10 in three seasons, including 8-3 this season, with a 2.51 ERA.
DAVID BERG: The sophomore is the top closer in the country, brining a 6-0 record with a 0.81 ERA, along with a school-record 20 saves. He was Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year and is a finalist for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year.
RICHY PEDROZA: The senior is the little engine that makes the Titans go. He is hitting .270 with a .394 on-base percentage while scoring 47 runs. The shortstop is also the glue of the Titans’ infield, catching nearly everything hit his way. He was named Big West Defensive Player of the Year.
CODY REGIS: He’s a three-year starter and a key part of UCLA, which is seeking its third trip to the CWS in four seasons. Regis is hitting .240, with 18 RBIs. He has scored 16 runs.
SERIES NOTES: This is the team’s third meeting in the Super Regionals since 2007. Fullerton swept the Bruins in 2007, with UCLA winning two of three in 2010. The host Titans won both meetings this season, although those were weekday games.