This is the first in a series of eight articles previewing ASU's Pac-10 opponents. Up next: USC.
With almost two weeks off for final exams, No. 7 Stanford rolls into Tempe March 22-24 to face the Sun Devils in a crucial Pac-10 series, the first for each team.
Coming off a three-game sweep of in-state rival California last weekend, the Cardinal have won 11 of their last 13 after starting the season 3-5. Stanford has faced a rigorous schedule including games against No. 5 Cal-State Fullerton, No. 2 Florida State, No. 9 Texas and USC, who recently dropped out of the top-25. Stanford head coach Mark Marquess said it's been an educational challenge.
"You find out where your weaknesses are and where you need to improve, it's helped us," Marquess said. "We haven't always played great, but we're still not where we need to be."
Stanford struggled against the top talent in the nation as they were swept by Cal-State Fullerton on the road and dropped two of three to Florida State at home.
The Cardinal (14-7) are led by three returning starters who help give them leadership and stability. Senior catcher Ryan Garko is batting .333 through 21 games and leads the team in RBI with 25. Junior center fielder Sam Fuld and is one off the team lead in runs scored with 17. Junior right fielder Carlos Quentin is the teams' top hitter at a clip of .378.
"(Leadership) is always important," Marquess said. "Most of the time you look back on the season, especially in conference play, and the most experienced team has the best chance to win league. They (Quentin, Garko and Fuld) certainly help us. Without them we don't have much of a chance, but they bring leadership, ability, and they know what to expect."
On the rise for Stanford is first baseman John Mayberry Jr. Only a freshman, Mayberry Jr. has already collected 11 extra base hits (team lead), including five triples. His .371 average is third on the team and he's currently in the midst of a 14-game hitting streak.
"He's been consistent, which is unusual for a freshman," Marquess said. "He's played very well, has power, can hit for average and doesn't strike out much. He'll get better as he goes on."
On the mound, Marquess has relied on two hurlers to get the job done. Junior John Hudgins has been Stanford's top starter, and his numbers back that up. The right-hander is 4-1 with a 3.35 ERA and has struck out hitters at a ratio of one per inning (51 strikeouts in 51.0 innings).
"Hudgins has been the most consistent. He was our number two starter last year and now he's our number one," Marquess said. "He's our main guy."
Directly behind Hudgins is senior right-hander Ryan McCally. A reliever through his first three years as a Cardinal, McCally has filled the starting role nicely this year, recording a 3-1 record and an ERA of 4.08 in six starts.
Starting the conference schedule against the No. 1 Sun Devils, Marquess knows winning on the road will not be easy.
"It's difficult because the teams picked at the top of the league like California (pre-season Pac-10 No. 4), USC (No. 1) and ASU (No. 2), we play at their park," he said. "(ASU) has some guys returning as well so it will be a real challenge for us."
Reach the reporter at casey.pritchard@asu.edu.
