March 30, 2009

OREM, Utah - Tuesday's game between Utah Valley and the University of Utah has been moved to Orem's Brent Brown Ballpark. The game will begin at 6 p.m. and Utah will be the home team.

Utah Valley junior right-hander Justin Smith has been named the Great West Conference Pitcher of the Week, the conference office announced Monday. Smith struck out a career-high 11 batters in 7.0 innings of work in the Wolverines' 5-4 win over Nevada on Saturday.

Smith allowed two runs on five hits, lasting into the eighth inning against the Wolf Pack. He also threw 2/3 of an inning in relief at BYU last Tuesday, picking up both outs via strikeout. It's the second time this year that Smith has earned the award.

The Wolverines (7-18) host Utah Tuesday at 6 p.m. MT. The Utes (11-12) swept a weather-shortened two-game series at home against Southern Utah on Saturday. Utah also has wins over #4 Texas A&M and #14 TCU this year.

Jory Jensen (2-2, 4.26) is UVU's scheduled starter on the mound while Utah will start Jordan Whatcott (2-1, 5.33).

Utah Valley lost three out of four at Nevada last weekend. In the Wolverines' 5-4 win on Saturday, Jace Brinkerhoff was 4-for-4 with a home run and two batted in. Chris Benson had three hits in the win.

Utah leads the competitive all-time series 15-13 winning three out of five in 2008.

In Sunday's series finale, an 11-7 loss, Sage Thorpe had three hits at the DH position while Kirk Doxey had a three-run home run, his third of the year.

Following Tuesday's game, UVU hosts Air Force in Friday and Saturday doubleheaders before Utah returns to Brent Brown Ballpark next Tuesday, March 7 at 6 p.m. MT.