NCAA LOS ANGELES REGIONAL

MAINE vs. CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE

Time, site: Friday, 10 p.m., 9 innings; Dedeaux Field, Los Angeles

Records: Maine 40-15; No. 15 Cal State Northridge 40-15

Series, last meeting: first meeting

Top hitters – Maine: DH Simon Williams (.373, 8 HR, 35 RBI, 21 SB), C Alain Picard (.346, 6 HR, 50 RBI, 14 SB), 3B Joe Drapeau (.345, 11 HR, 59 RBI), 2B Brett Ouellette (.325, 3 HR, 31 RBI), CF Mike Livulpi (.313, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 16 SB), LF Mike Ross (.304, 9 HR, 48 RBI, 18 SB); Cal State Northridge: 2B Shaun Larkin (.364, 15 HR, 48 RBI), 3B Ryan Haag (.346, 2 HR, 23 RBI), RF Eric Verbryke (.335, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 12 SB), C Jason Allec (.329, 8 HR, 44 RBI), SS Jason Gorman (.315, 7 HR, 29 RBI), CF Adam Nikolic (.310, 6 HR, 37 RBI, 17 SB)

Pitching Matchups

Maine Black Bears Cal State Northridge Matadors

ERA W-L Ks ERA W-L Ks

RH Mike MacDonald 3.10 7-2 65 LH Andy Davidson 4.09 11-2 70

Outlook: The third-seeded Bears make their first foray into NCAA postseason play against the formidable Matadors, seeded No. 2. UMaine is coming off an emotional America East Championship, during which it lost the opener then won four straight to earn the automatic bid. Northridge, the Big West champ, has been idle since May 19. The Matadors are playing close to home, but are dealing with Tuesday’s announcement that coach Mike Batesole has been hired as the coach at Fresno State. The Bears but are hoping MacDonald can make the transition to NCAA play easier by continuing his outstanding pitching against the potent Matadors. Northridge is ranked 20th in the unofficial Rating Percentage Index, while UMaine is No. 74. The Matadors’ schedule is ranked 18th toughest in the nation. The Bears’ keys are simple: pitch well, make the plays in the field and capitalize on their scoring chances. America East teams are 1-16 in eight Regional appearances dating back to 1993.