Anteaters Open Home Schedule Against San Diego State, Host California This Weekend
IRVINE, Calif. – UC Irvine baseball begins its home slate this week, hosting San Diego State on Wednesday, February 18, and welcoming California for a three-game series beginning Friday, February 20. The Aztecs and Anteaters were originally scheduled to play on Tuesday, but that game was postponed.
UCI enters the week with a 3-0 record after sweeping Sacramento State on opening weekend. The Anteaters will face San Diego State for the 103rd time, with UCI having won the last six meetings dating back to 2020. This will be the first midweek game between the two programs since 2023.
The weekend series against California marks the first meeting between the two schools since 2015 and the first visit from the Golden Bears to Anteater Ballpark since 2013. UCI holds a 20-16 all-time advantage over California.
Pitching Shines in Opening Weekend
UCI’s pitching staff was dominant in Sacramento, allowing just five runs and posting a 1.00 ERA across the three games. Trevor Hansen and Ryder Brooks combined for a one-hitter on Friday, with Hansen striking out a career-high 11 batters. Ricky Ojeda followed with six shutout innings in a win. The bullpen allowed just one earned run in 12.2 innings of work.
Despite scoring 18 runs, the Anteaters reached base frequently, drawing 22 walks, recording five sacrifices, and benefiting from three errors by Sacramento State.
Key Players Emerge
Several Anteaters made strong contributions offensively during the opening weekend. Frankie Carney led the team with four hits, while Zach Fjelstad scored a team-high four runs. Landon Gaz and Rowan Felsch each drove in three runs, with Gaz hitting his first career home run.
Ten first-time ‘Eaters saw action during the opening weekend, including six making their collegiate debuts. The team also welcomed back Tim Grack and Auggie Gutierrez, who both missed the 2025 season due to injuries.
Scouting the Opponents
San Diego State is led by first-year head coach Kevin Vance and features a roster retooled with 19 college transfers, including 13 from Power 5 programs. The Aztecs began the season with a sweep of LIU, scoring 10 runs per game. The series between UCI and SDSU will be the 103rd matchup. UCI has added a new Aztec to their roster in each of the last three years, with Peyton Rodgers joining the Anteaters as a closer this year.
California is in its second year as a member of the ACC and is led by head coach Mike Neu. The Golden Bears started the season 2-1 and are visiting UCI for the first time since 2013. California’s offense has been powered by doubles, hitting 10 through the first three games.
All games will be played at Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark. Wednesday’s game against San Diego State is scheduled for 6:00 PM PST and will be broadcast on ESPN+ and KUCI. Friday’s game against California will also begin at 6:00 PM PST and will be available on ESPN+ and KUCI, with Saturday and Sunday’s games starting at 1:00 PM PST and broadcast on ESPN+ and kuci.org.
Game Notes are available on the UC Irvine Athletics website.
