Is this still a college baseball town?
You can bet your Big 8 Conference dollar on it.
The Big 8 has surged as the top community college conference in the state in recent years, crowning state champions in Sacramento City in 1998 and '99, Santa Rosa in 2005, Sierra in 2008 and Delta of Stockton last season. Cosumnes River also has made deep playoff runs, a bad hop or two from reaching the finals. CRC won the Big 8 this season, with Sierra and Sac City finishing within two games.
CRC opens a best-of-three Northern California playoff series Saturday at 1 p.m. against Sequoias at American River. Game 2 is Sunday at 11 a.m.
Sac City plays at top-seeded Feather River on Saturday, and Yogi Berra's quip, "It's déjà vu all over again," would be accurate. Last season, the Panthers knocked off top seed Feather River. Sac City has been in the playoffs every season since 1976.
Led by pitcher Josh Eagle, Sierra opens Saturday at Laney in Oakland, seeking a seventh regional championship since 2004.
"The Big 8 really prepares you for the playoffs because every game is so tight, and there's so much good talent," CRC coach Tony Bloomfield said. "You never rest, either. Always intense."
In other words, it's never boring.
What to watch
Baseball, Giants vs. Milwaukee, 7:15 p.m., CSNBA: How will Giants fans receive Brewers slugger Ryan Braun?
What to watch II
NBA, L.A. Lakers at Denver, 7:30 p.m., ESPN: Lakers look to take a 3-0 series lead on the road.
Today's poll
Who is the best JC baseball player in area history?
• Larry Bowa, SCC
• Dallas Braden, ARC
• Cameron Ray, Sierra
• Greg Vaughn, SCC
• Fernando Vina, CRC/SCC
Vote above or leave you comments in the comment field; Or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Thursday's results
Do you think the NFL has become too violent?
• Yes, guys hit too hard: 30%
• No, it's nothing compared to years ago: 70%
Total votes: 189
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