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Celebrating 50 Years of UCR Baseball

UC Riverside Alumni Baseball Weekend Slated For February 6-7, 2009
(October 21, 2008) – UC Riverside Head Baseball Coach Doug Smith announced today that the Highlanders annual alumni weekend is slated for February 6-7, 2009. The Alumni Golf Tournament is Friday, February 6 at Moreno Valley Ranch with a shotgun start at 11 am. The Alumni Game is scheduled for Saturday, February 7 at 1 pm at the UCR Sports Complex. For additional information, please contact the UCR Baseball Office at (951) 827-5441.

 

Marc Rzepczynski
Baseball America Ranks Former UCR Pitcher Marc Rzepczynski Among Blue Jays Top 10 Prospects

(November 14, 2008) – Baseball America recently released, as part of its offseason Top-10 Prospects Scouting Reports, the list of top players currently in the Toronto Blue Jays' farm system. Former Highlanders pitcher Marc Rzepczynski is ranked ninth on the Jays' list following a season spent at Lansing in the Midwest League that saw him post a 2.83 earned run average in 22 starts, striking out 124 in 121.0 innings pitched.

 

 

 

Adam Reifer
Baseball America Names Former UCR pitcher Adam Reifer NY-Penn League's Third Best Prospect

(September 30, 2008) – Baseball America recently announced its Top-20 Prospects Lists from around the minor leagues, and former UC Riverside pitcher Adam Reifer was tabbed as the third best prospect in the New York Penn League following the 2008 season. Reifer threw 30.1 innings for the Batavia Muckdogs (St. Louis Cardinals), posting a 2-1 record with 22 saves and 41 strikeouts

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Marc Rzepczynski
Former Highlanders pitcher Marc Rzepczynski Named Team MVP Of Blue Jays MidWest League Affiliate

(September 30, 2008) – The Toronto Blue Jays announced Monday that former Highlanders pitcher Marc Rzepczynski was named the Lansing Lugnuts (MIdwest League A) team Most Valuable Player for 2008. Rzepczynski finished seventh in the league in era (2.83), posting a 7-6 record with 124 strikeouts in 121.0 innings, and was the Lugnuts No. 1 starter in the 2008 postseason.

 

 

 

Eddie Orozco
RHP Eddie Orozco Named 8th Best Prospect In West Coast Collegiate Baseball League

(September 5, 2008) – Baseball America recently named UC Riverside sophomore righthander Eddie Orozco the 8th best prospect in the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League which completed play in August. The Riverside native was 3-1 on the season for the Corvallis Knights, posting an era of 1.75, striking out 38 batters in 36.0 innings and allowing only 28 base hits. Orozco was also named to the All-WCCBL Second Team.

 

 

Former Highlander Garcia Caps Cyle With Walk-Off Homer
(August 25, 2008) – Former UC Riverside baseball player Drew Garcia, playing for Bristol in the Appalachian League for the White Sox organization, hit a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 10th inning of a 2-1 win over Pulaski on August 24. He leads the team with 20 exra base hits, eight home runs and 37 rbis.

Spaces Still Available For Fall Hitting Clinics
(August 13, 2008) – Three four-day sessions still remain for the UC Riverside Fall Hitting Clinics. For additional information, please contact either Randy Betten or Rusty McNamara at (951) 827-5441. Or email Randy at randy.betten@ucr.edu.

Highlanders In The Pros
(June 25, 2008) – Three players who donned the UCR blue and gold recently signed with their respective teams following the MLB First Year Player Draft bringing the total number of former Highlanders playing Major League and Minor League Baseball to 15. Former Highlanders pitcher Chris Smith also picked up his first big league win this week.

Former Highlanders Pitcher Chris Smth Makes Big League Debut
(June 23, 2008) – The Boston Red Sox called up UC Riverside baseball alum Chris Smith on June 17 and he made his major league debut on June 21 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Entering the game in the second inning after Boston starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was tagged for six hits and three walks, Smith pitched four innings, gave up just three hits and allowed one earned run. For a complete recap of the game, please visit the Boston Herald website.

Former Highlanders Pitcher Chris Smth Called Up By Red Sox
(June 17, 2008) – The Boston Red Sox called up UC Riverside baseball alum Chris Smith for the second time this season to take the roster spot of right handed pitcher Bartolo Colon who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with back stiffness. Smith spent two days on Boston's big league roster in May, but did not appear in any games.

Four Highlanders Selected In MLB Draft
(June 6, 2008) – UC Riverside had four players selected in Major League Baseball's 2008 First-Year Player Draft on June 5 and 6 – Rob Waite (Detroit Tigers), Drew Garcia (Chicago White Sox), Stephen Penny (Seattle Mariners) and Carl Uhl (Colorado Rockies).Three incoming freshmen for the Highlanders were also selected in the Draft.

Three Highlanders Named To Big West All-Conference Team
(May 27, 2008) – The Big West Conference announced Tuesday afternoon that Drew Garcia and Aaron Wible each earned Easton Big West All-Conference first team honors and Joey Gonzales was named to the second team.

Big West Names Applebee Conference Pitcher Of The Week
(May 26, 2008) – UC Riverside sophomore starting pitcher Paul Applebee was named the Big West Conference Pitcher of the Week following his complete-game win over Cal Poly this past Friday. It is the second Pitcher of the Week award and third weekly award for the Highlanders this season.

Highlanders Wrap Up Season Against Cal Poly
(May 25, 2008) – UC Riverside closed out their season with a 12-7 10-inning loss to Cal Poly at the Riverside Sports Complex Sunday afternoon. Carl Uhl led the way with three hits for the Highlanders (21-33, 14-10 Big West) who finish in tie for third in the Big West Conference standings.

Press Enterprise Slide Show

2008 Senior Day Photo Galleries

50th Anniversary Celebration Brings UCR A 7-2 Win
(May 24, 2008) – On a day in which UC Riverside acknowledged it’s 50th anniversary, starting pitcher Paul Bargas fired the Highlander’s second consecutive complete-game to give them a 7-2 win over Cal Poly.

Applebee Strikes Out 10 In Complete-Game Victory
(May 23, 2008) UC Riverside starting pitcher Paul Applebee picked up his first complete-game victory for the Highlanders who beat Cal Poly 4-1 in the series opener Friday night at the Riverside Sports Complex.

Highlanders Drop Final Non-Conference Game
(May 20, 2008) – UC Riverside dropped a 18-9 decision to Pepperdine at the Riverside Sports Complex Tuesday night.

Former Highlander, Chris Smith Called Up To The Big Leagues
(May 19, 2008) – UC Riverside baseball alum Chris Smith was promoted to the Boston Red Sox big league squad on Sunday. Smith will be wearing #59 in the Boston bullpen.

Highlanders' Run At A Repeat Comes To An End
(May 18, 2008) – UC Riverside's hopes of a second straight Big West Conference Champoinship and an NCAA bid came to an end Sunday in a 14-8 loss at UC Santa Barbara. The loss dropped the Highlanders conference record to 12-9, tied for fourth in the Big West.

UCR’s Title Defense Takes Another Hit
(May 17, 2008) – UC Riverside dropped the second game of the three-game series to UC Santa Barbara 10-4 at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium in Santa Barbara, CA Saturday afternoon.

Highlanders Stumble In Game One To UCSB
(May 16, 2008) – UC Riverside fell in the first game of their weekend series with UC Santa Barbara 13-2 at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium in Santa Barbara, CA Friday afternoon.

Trojan Offense Takes One From Highlanders
(May 14, 2008) – UC Riverside dropped a non-conference match-up to USC 13-10 at the Riverside Sports Complex Tuesday night. Drew Garcia produced his second straight three-hit three-RBI game for the Highlanders.

Highlanders Use Big Inning To Beat UNLV 12-5
(May 13, 2008) – UC Riverside pounded out 13 hits to pick up a 12-5 non-conference win over UNLV at the Riverside Sports Complex Tuesday night. Drew Garcia and Joey Gonzales led the way with three hits a piece.

Walk-Off Blast By Wible Gives Highlanders Series Win Against Aggies
(May 11, 2008) – Aaron Wible’s walk-off blast gave UCR a 7-6 series-clinching win over UC Davis at the Riverside Sports Complex Sunday afternoon.

Highlander Comeback Falls Short Against UC Davis
(May 10, 2008) – UCR’s ninth-inning comeback attempt fell short, dropping a 6-5 decision to UC Davis at the Riverside Sports Complex Saturday afternoon.

Two-Out Hits Lead To 7-6 UCR Win
(May 9, 2008) – UC Riverside pushed across three runs in the eighth inning to pick up a 7-6 come-from-behind win over UC Davis at the Riverside Sports Complex Friday night. Carl Uhl picked up two hits and two RBI for the Highlanders.

#13 UC Irvine Takes Non-Conference Match-Up From UCR
(May 6, 2008) – UC Riverside dropped a 10-4 non-conference game to #13 UC Irvine at the Riverside Sports Complex Tuesday night. Tony Nix picked up a two-run singled for the Highlanders.

Six-Run Seventh Gives Highlanders A Series Sweep
(May 4, 2008) – UCR used a six-run seventh inning to pick up a 6-5 win and complete a three-game sweep of the Pacific Tigers in Stockton, CA Sunday afternoon. Joey Gonzales finished off a monster weekend by picking up three more hits for the Highlanders.

UCR Offense Puts Up Season Highs In Hits and Runs, Wins 19-9
(May 3, 2008) – UC Riverside recorded season-highs 19 hits and 19 runs to pick up a 19-9 Big West Conference victory over Pacific in Stockton, CA Saturday night. Aaron Wible tied a UCR Division I record with five hits and UCR put up the second most runs in school history.

Highlanders Rally In Ninth To Take Opener
(May 2, 2008) – UC Riverside rallied with two runs in the ninth for the second consecutive game and picked up a 7-6 win over Pacific in Friday night’s series opener in Stockton, CA.

Wible’s Walk-Off Hit Gives UCR A Series Clinching Win
(Apr. 27, 2008) - Aaron Wible’s two-out walk-off RBI single completed a two run ninth-inning comeback and gave UC Riverside a 4-3 series clinching win over Cal State Northridge Sunday afternoon.

First Inning Troubles Too Much For Highlanders
(Apr. 26, 2008) - UC Riverside dropped a Big West Conference match-up to Cal State Northridge 14-5 at the Riverside Sports complex Saturday afternoon.

Applebee and Penney Shutout Cal State Northridge
(Apr. 25, 2008) - Highlander pitchers Paul Applebee and Stephen Penney led UC Riverside to a 3-0 win over the visiting Cal State Northridge Matadors in the first of a three-game series held Friday night at the Riverside Sports Complex.

Highlanders Can't Tame LMU Offense
(Apr. 22, 2008) - UC Riverside dropped a 7-1 decision to Loyola Marymount in a non-conference match-up at the Riverside Sports Complex Tuesday afternoon. Jordan Opdyke and Tony Nix each finished with two hits for the Highlanders.

After Big Weekend, Goetz Named Big West Co-Player of the Week
(Apr. 21, 2008) - The Big West Conference named UC Riverside first baseman Ryan Goetz Big West Co-Player of the Week Monday afternoon.

Goetz Gives Highlanders Series Win Over #5 UC Irvine
(Apr. 20, 2008) - UC Riverside finished with 12 hits to pick up a 7-5 win on Sunday afternoon and take the weekend series, 2-1, from #5 ranked UC Irvine in Irvine, CA. UCR had Ryan Goetz and Daniel Pellegrino each produce three-hit games with Goetz also driving in three RBI for the Highlanders.

Bats Come Alive and Larkins Deals in Win over #5 UCI
(Apr. 19, 2008) - Matt Larkins held 5th ranked UC Irvine to one unearned run in his starting effort and the UC Riverside bullpen heldoff a late rally to pick up a 5-3 victory in Irvine, CA Saturday night. The Highlanders (10-23, 4-4 Big West) recorded 13 hits.

Highlanders Can't Get Past Irvine Ace
(Apr. 18, 2008) - UC Riverside could not get past UC Irvine ace Scott Gorgen as the Anteater limited the Highlanders to two runs as fifth ranked UCI picked up a 7-2 win in Irvine, CA Friday night.

SDSU Uses Middle Innings To Take One From Highlanders
(Apr. 15, 2008) - UCR dropped a 10-7 decision to San Diego State in a non-conference match-up at Tony Gwynn Stadium in San Diego, CA Tuesday night.

UCR Falls To UCLA In Series Finale
(Apr. 13, 2008) - UC Riverside dropped the third and final game of their three-game series against the UCLA Bruins 9-5 at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Westwood, CA Sunday afternoon.

Highlanders Come Up Short in Slugfest
(Apr. 12, 2008) - UCR could not keep up with a UCLA offense that picked up 26 hits to hand the Highlanders a 18-7 loss at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Westwood, CA Saturday afternoon.

Ninth Inning Highlander Rally Comes Up Short in Opener Against UCLA
(Apr. 11, 2008) - UC Riverside brought the tying-run to plate after pushing two runs across in the ninth but could not complete the comeback and dropped a 5-3 decision to UCLA in Westwood, CA Friday night.

#13 San Diego Takes Game From Highlanders
(Apr. 9, 2008) - UC Riverside dropped a 7-2 decision to the 13th ranked San Diego Toreros at Cunningham Stadium in San Diego, CA Wednesday afternoon.

Highlanders Drop Game To #13 San Diego
(Apr. 8, 2008) - UC Riverside couldn’t over come committing six errors as they lost 11-4 to 13th ranked San Diego at the Riverside Sports Complex Tuesday night.

Bargas Named Big West Pitcher of the Week
(Apr. 7, 2008) - The Big West Conference announced Monday that UC Riverside sophomore Paul Bargas was named Big West Pitcher of the Week after he fired a complete game five hitter to beat 9th ranked Long Beach State this past Sunday.

Complete Game By Bargas Gets Highlanders A Series Win
(Apr. 6, 2008) - UC Riverside used a complete game from Paul Bargas to pick up a 7-1 victory over 9th ranked Long Beach State at the Riverside Sports Complex Sunday afternoon.

Big Hits By Goetz and Wible Put UCR Past #9 LBSU
(Apr. 5, 2008) - UC Riverside used a four-run seventh inning to pick up a 6-4 win over ninth ranked Long Beach State at the Riverside Sports Complex Saturday afternoon.

Highlanders Drop Opener To #9 Long Beach State
(Apr. 4, 2008) - UC Riverside lost a 6-3 decision to 9th ranked Long Beach State in the first game of the weekend series played at the Riverside Sports Complex Friday night.

Trojans Rally Late To Take One From UCR
(Apr. 1, 2008) - UC Riverside dropped a 7-5 decision to USC after allowing two eighth inning runs in a non-conference match-up at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles, CA Tuesday night.

Highlanders Fall in Rubber Game To Titans
(Mar. 30, 2008) - UC Riverside dropped the final game of their three-game series with Cal State Fullerton 12-1 at Goodwin Field in Fullerton, CA Sunday afternoon.

UCR Grinds Out 12-Inning Victory Over #21 Cal State Fullerton
(Mar. 29, 2008) - For the second consecutive day, UC Riverside and #21 Cal State Fullerton played to extra innings. The Highlanders (7-13, 1-1) brought two runs across in the 12th to pick up the 6-4 12-inning victory over the Titans at Goodwin Field in Fullerton, CA Saturday night.

Highlanders Drop 16-Inning Marathon To Cal State Fullerton
(Mar. 28, 2008) - UC Riverside dropped a 7-6 decision to the 21st ranked Cal State Fullerton Titans in a game that went 16 innings Friday night. The game is the longest in UCR Division I school-history and the longest played since the longest game in UCR history went 18 innings against Chapman back in 1979.

Highlander Bullpen Holds On For The Win
(Mar. 25, 2008) - UC Riverside junior reliever D.J. Smith struck out the final two Texas Tech hitters with the tying runs on base in the ninth to close out the 8-6 victory Tuesday afternoon.

Red Raiders Rally In Ninth To Take One From Highlanders
(Mar. 24, 2008) - UC Riverside dropped a 5-4 decision to Texas Tech after a wild pitch brought home the Red Raider winning run in the bottom of the ninth to give TTU (12-10) the victory Monday night.

Smith Reaches Milestone As Highlanders Beat Harvard
(Mar. 21, 2008) - UC Riverside used a four-run sixth inning to pick up a 9-4 win over Harvard at the Riverside Sports Complex Friday night. The win is the 100th career victory for Head Coach Doug Smith who reaches the milestone in only his fourth season as a head coach, all with UCR (5-11).

UCR Falls To Loyola Marymount
(Mar. 11, 2008) - UC Riverside dropped a 12-3 decision to Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles, CA Tuesday afternoon.

Highlanders Drop Rubber Game To Nevada
(Mar. 9, 2008) - UC Riverside fell 3-1 to the Nevada Wolfpack in Sunday's final game of the weekend series in Reno, NV.

Larkins Leads UCR To Win Over Wolfpack
(Mar. 8, 2008) - Freshman starting pitcher Matt Larkins struck out seven Nevada Wolfpack hitters to lead UC Riverside to a 6-2 win over Nevada in Reno, NV Saturday afternoon.

Nevada Takes Game One From Highlanders
(Mar. 7, 2008) -UC Riverside dropped a 10-5 decision to Nevada in the first game of the their weekend series in Reno, NV Friday afternoon.

SDSU Rallies In Ninth To Take One From UCR
(Mar. 4, 2008) - UC Riverside suffered a 6-5 defeat at the hands of San Diego State at the Riverside Sports Complex Tuesday night.

Highlanders Pick Up "W" With Shutout
(Mar. 3, 2008) - Freshman Tony Nix banged out three hits including his first career homer as UC Riverside picked up a 6-0 win over LaSalle at the Riverside Sports Complex Monday afternoon.

UCR Can’t Cool Nebraska Bats
(Mar. 2, 2008) - The Highlander dropped their final game of the four-game series at Nebraska, 13-1, in a rain shortened seven inning ball game in Lincoln, NE Sunday afternoon.

Highlanders Drop Doubleheader at Nebraska
(Mar. 1, 2008) - UC Riverside fell in both games of their doubleheader with the University of Nebraska, 10-4 and 5-2 in Lincoln, NE Saturday. Junior Drew Garcia finished with four hits on the day and freshman Brett Hambright launched his first career homer in the opener for the Highlanders (2-6).

Nebraska Takes Opener From UCR
(Feb. 29, 2008) - UC Riverside dropped the opening game of their four-game series with the Nebraska (2-2) Cornhuskers 3-2 in Lincoln, NE Friday afternoon. Senior Ben Price launched his first home run of season in the second inning for the Highlanders (2-4).

Highlanders Drop Game To #29 Pepperdine
(Feb. 25, 2008) - UCR lost a 11-4 decision to #29 Pepperdine in Malibu, CA Tuesday afternoon. Sophomore Ryan Goetz launched his first home run of the season and junior Drew Garcia finished with two hits for the Highlanders (2-3).

Huskies Take Final Game From UCR
(Feb. 25, 2008) - UC Riverside dropped the final game of their season-opening four game series with the University of Washington (2-2) 5-2 at the Riverside Sports Complex Monday afternoon.

Highlanders Split Doubleheader With Washington
(Feb. 23, 2008) - UC Riverside split the two games played against the University of Washington on Saturday at the Riverside Baseball Complex. Sophomore Joey Gonzales picked up three hits and freshman Brett Hambright drove in two runs in the Highlanders (2-1) game one 6-3 win.

Ninth Inning Double By Price Gets Highlanders Opening Day Win
(Feb. 22, 2008) - Senior Ben Price doubled to left center in the bottom of the ninth inning to plate junior Carl Uhl all the way from first to give UC Riverside a 3-2 win in their season-opener against the University of Washington (0-1) Friday afternoon at the Riverside Sports Complex.

Ping! Places Kelly On Pre-Season All-Ping! Team
(Jan. 29, 2008) - Sophomore pitcher Joe Kelly was named to the Ping! Baseball Preseason All Ping! Third-Team this past week.

Big West Pre-Season Poll Released, UCR 5th
(Jan. 22, 2008) - The Big West announced it’s 2008 pre-season poll as voted on by the coaches with in the conference. After winning their first ever Big West Title last season, UC Riverside was picked to finish fifth in 2008.

UCR Ranked in Collegiate Baseball Pre-Season Poll
(Dec. 21, 2007) - UC Riverside was ranked 35th in the Collegiate Baseball annual pre-season top 40 poll released Friday.

Kelly Named Pre-Season All-American
(Dec. 13, 2007) - Sophomore pitcher Joe Kelly was named to the pre-season All-American third team by the National Baseball Writers Association Wednesday afternoon.

Gonzales and Kelly on 2008 Brooks Wallace Watch List
(Dec. 11, 2007) - Sophomore’s Joey Gonzales and Joe Kelly were named to the pre-season release of the 2008 Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Award Watch List on Monday.

Current Highlanders Get Best Of Alumni
(Nov. 10, 2007) - The 2008 UC Riverside Highlander baseball team beat the UCR Alumni 12-6 in annual event held at the UCR Baseball Complex, Saturday afternoon.

Highlanders Incoming Class Among Nation's Best
(Oct. 23, 2007) - The UC Riverside 2008 recruiting class has been named the 25th best in the nation by Baseball America.

Last Year's Champs Continue Success at Next Level
(Oct. 16, 2007) - Eight former UC Riverside Highlanders took the next step in their baseball careers this past summer.

UCR to Host Highlander Showcase Camp on Oct. 21
(Sept. 25, 2007) - The UC Riverside Baseball program is hosting the 4th annual "Highlander Showcase", October 21st. This is an excellent opportunity for you to meet the UC Riverside coaching staff and familiarize yourself with "Highlander" baseball. The Showcase will provide you with valuable instruction for your development as a player and an opportunity for you to display your talents.

Nathan Choate Hired to UCR Baseball Staff as Assistant Coach
(Sept. 19, 2007) - Former UC Irvine assistant Nathan Choate has been hired as the new pitching coach at UC Riverside, Head Coach Doug Smith announced Wednesday.

Smith Withdraws Name From Consideration for UCI Position
(Sept. 17, 2007) - UC Riverside Baseball Coach Doug Smith has withdrawn his name from consideration for the vacant UC Irvine baseball head coaching position, he announced Monday.

Highlanders Named One of Nations "Rising Programs" by Rivals.com
(Aug. 2, 2007) - Coming off of their first-ever Big West Championship and their second appearance at an NCAA regional, the UC Riverside baseball team has been named the No. 7 "Rising Program in the Nation" by Rivals.com. Click here to read the full story.

Former Highlander Bigler Chasing Big League Dreams
(July 26, 2007) - When the Brent Bigler's season with the Wilmington Blue Rocks got off to a slow start to his 2007 season, those who followed the speedy outfielder knew it wouldn’t last. Bigler, one of the younger players on the Kansas City Royals’ high-A affiliate Blue Rock roster, is profiled by writer Don Leypoldt.

Follow Your Favorite Highlanders in Professional Baseball
(July 26, 2007) - Following the 2007 Major League Baseball draft, there are now 15 former UC Riverside Highlanders competing on Major or Minor League rosters. Below is a list of former players who are playing professional baseball, as well as their team, league, and level, as of July 5, 2007. If you know of anyone who has been left off this list, please email the UCR baseball office.

UCR Signs 11 to National Letters of Intent for 2008
(Nov. 28, 2006) - UC Riverside’s baseball team has signed 11 players to National Letters of Intent for the 2007-08 season, Head Coach Doug Smith announced. The signees include seven pitchers and nine of the 11 players hail from Southern California.

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