As the Arizona baseball team heads to the City of Sin for a brief two-game series, it is essential that it strives to accomplish two things: solidify its lineup and further establish its pitching depth.

A mid-week series, especially this early in the season, is used as a time for coaches to give younger and less-experienced players a chance to prove themselves – especially the pitching staff.

“”We’re going to feel it out,”” UA head coach Andy Lopez said about who will pitch on Tuesday and Wednesday. “”We’re going to give some young guys a chance. We saw some freshmen on Friday and we’ll see some more (this week).””

Lopez opted to go with freshman Kyle Simon (1-0), a right-hander who made a relief appearance on Friday. In that appearance, the first of his career, Simon allowed three hits over 2 2/3 innings and his efforts were enough to earn him the victory.

As for the Wildcats’ (2-1) opponent, the UNLV Rebels took 3-of-4 over the weekend against Maine.

Junior Glenn DeWeese will get the ball on Tuesday after striking out three in his three innings of work over the weekend.

Offensively, the Wildcats will need to find a way to contain junior Drew Beuerlein. The switch hitter from Scottsdale, Ariz., was a terror at the plate over the weekend, hitting .625 with two home runs and 14 total bases.

No matter how talented DeWeese or Beuerlein might be, it wouldn’t matter if the Wildcats were going up against C.C. Sabathia and Albert Pujols.

“”I never talk about the other team,”” Lopez said when asked about his preparation for the two-game series.””We talk about playing soundly, throwing strikes and playing defense.

“”We played OK on Friday, horribly on Saturday, but we bounced back and played really well (on Sunday) all we ask is that we just play the game.”” he added. “”Let’s focus on Arizona playing soundly.””