Feb. 28, 2008

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The Loyola Marymount baseball team remains a work in progress.

With 13 newcomers and a number of players who haven't started before moving into key roles, the Lions have a different look this season.

So far, that's translated to a 1-3 start, but the players and coaches are convinced the club will find its rhythm and be a contender again in the West Coast Conference.

"We're 1-3, which is obviously not where we wanted to be, but I really feel like we're going to surprise some people," said senior right-hander Andy Beal (Peninsula High), who has returned to the rotation after spending last season in the closer's role.

Beal watched the Lions play well, but come up short in losses on Monday and Tuesday at Big West powers UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton, two teams that played in the College World Series last season.

"I just feel that compared to last year, we look like we're a better team out on the field," Beal said. "Obviously we're 1-3, so I don't want to say we're going to win the College World Series or anything, (but) I feel like we're a lot better team than we've been the last couple of years. This is going to be a really big weekend coming up to see how things shake out."

After opening on the road, the Lions return home to face UC Santa Barbara in a four-game series over three days, beginning Friday at 2 p.m.

LMU coach Frank Cruz said the team's new players have fit in well, leaving him far less worried about the everyday lineup.

"I was real concerned about that," Cruz said. "I think my concerns have been answered. They're fitting in just fine. They've made it more competitive and that creates a better environment."

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