Saint Mary's

The Bears continue to struggle against conference competitors, losing an away series to the Beavers in what could turn out to be a decisive set of games in determining the Pac-12 later this year.

The Bears suffer their first home loss of the season to Bay Area rivals.

Nothing is more fitting than to say that Saturday’s game will determine if Cal has the capacity to navigate the road to the national championship.

Currently 1-5 in Pac-12 play after dropping two of three games against the Trojans, the Bears take on Saint Mary’s and Oregon State in an attempt to find the success they had earlier on in the season.

It is going to be imperative to take control of the points and to dominate the rallies. Whether that is achievable against such a team, though, is a different question.

Routing Saint Mary’s 7-0 Tuesday and narrowly clinching against No. 13 Stanford with 4-3 Friday, this was a big week for the Bears.

This first week back on Hellman Tennis Complex will be a key starting point for a long string of dual matches, especially after starting off on the road.

On Aug. 25, Cal is set to face Saint Mary’s, and within the same week, the Bears will play UC San Diego on Aug. 28 in Edwards Stadium.

Martorella, who was named Pac-12 player of the week, continued his red-hot streak at bat with a two-run homer.

With more than half the season played already, the blue and gold have an uphill climb if they wish to escape last year’s fate.