By pure coincidence, the Fresno State offense caught fire without Ozzie Lewis. The preseason Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year has been struggling with a wrist injury, but multiple Bulldogs have taken it upon themselves to pick up the slack.
Falling in line with the teams of the past, the Bulldogs̢۪ offense once again picked up the quality of their play in the Pepsi/Johnny Quik Classic, although the pitching staff remains a giant concern.
The Bulldogs can ill-afford to continue walking batters, as an alarming number of those walks have turned into runs. Fresno State head coach Mike Batesole does not want to attribute the struggles to such a young bullpen, but rather an inability to carry over bullpen performances into game action.
That will need to change on the road, especially against a very dangerous Louisiana Tech team. The Bulldogs have a team batting average of .311 and hit very well at home. If Fresno State is to take home a series victory, it may have to out-slug Louisiana Tech.

1. Erik Wetzel (2B): Steady as can be in all facets of the game

2. Loren Storey (RF): Will likely stay in rightfield as the Bulldogs̢۪ offense has been hot with Ozzie Lewis out due to injury

3. Tom Mendonca (3B): Still adjusting to his promotion to this spot

4. Steve Susdorf (LF): A great mix of batting average and power

5. Brian Lapin (CF): Starting to show flashes of what he̢۪s capable of

6. Alan Ahmady (DH): Very aggressive hitter can crush fastballs

7. Todd Sandell (1B): Moved over to first base from shortstop; leading the team in doubles with 10

8. Danny Grubb (C): Controls the running game with great success, but bat has not made the adjustment from year one to year two

9. David Hernandez (SS): In the long run, his inability to hit may hurt any chance of a postseason run; team can̢۪t afford to keep his defense on the bench though