UCR

My Division 1 season for the College Phase got going last weekend as I made my only visit to the campus of UC Riverside to see the Highlanders play host to the Kansas State Wildcats. This West Coast Conference - Big12 matchup was something I had circled on the schedule for awhile because it teams from power conferences usually only come play at Riverside once a year. I knew I had to jump at the chance to go, and on a picture-perfect Sunday, I was glad I did.

I'm certainly no stranger to the Riverside Sports Complex. I had been there before for a number of games, most recently this past November when I saw UCR play their Fall Ball game. The facility really doesn't have any standout amenities or features that distinguish it, but I do like the idea they have of bringing in a food truck to serve as a concession stand down the left field line. The field has a fantastic view, however, of the towering Box Springs Mountain that separates the cities of Riverside and Moreno Valley. If you look closely enough, you can see the bright yellow "C" at the top of the mountain that is a popular hiking destination.

While this is my only visit for the year to UCR, I would like to somehow incorporate my bike, a ride, and possibly public transportation. Every time I've gone there, I've driven, which is rather boring. If these trips are going to be few-and-far-between, I might as well make it worth an experience. The campus is just outside of Downtown Riverside, which is a pretty happening place with some good restaurants and bars. Maybe for next year, I can work something out that broadens the horizons of trips to Riverside to make them a little more noteworthy in the annals of Baseball Road Trips.

The Highlanders kept things close early on, holding the K-State Wildcats just to a single run in the first. When the middle innings came around, K-State opened it up. They scored four in the fifth to pace a runaway victory of UCR, with the final being 8-1.

Next weekend, I'm actually not going to any games. I'm taking the opportunity after I get off work to drive up to the High Desert to spend some time with my girlfriend. When I come back down on Monday, however, I'm planning on seeing a special exhibition game down at San Manuel Stadium. The local University of Redlands team is hosting a professional team from South Korea, KT Wiz. It's free admission for, what I'm considering at least, a professional game. It's been nearly three years since I have seen a Foreign team play on US soil, so I am looking forward to what is going to be an interesting experience.

Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)