Dillon Tate (UCSB)

Ten Thoughts: Saturday, Feb. 14

1. DILLON TATE IS A BEAST

UC Santa Barbara coach Andrew Checketts discussed moving flame-throwing junior righthander Dillon Tate from the back of the bullpen into the rotation during the offseason, but as Opening Day approached he decided to keep Tate as the closer. Then weekend starter Dominic Mazza tweaked his ankle, so Checketts reversed course and stuck Tate into the rotation against BYU on Saturday. Scouts were delighted and flocked to Santa Barbara to see Tate, who did not disappoint in his first career start. Over 6 2/3 shutout innings, he allowed just three hits and two[…]