Last year Wes Rea battled through a nagging shoulder injury throughout the entire season.

This spring a quadriceps strain has slowed the big fellow down. The difference this spring is that Mississippi State has a capable back-up around at first base.

Junior college transfer Alex Detz has started the past three games for the Diamond Dogs filling in admirably for Rea. The San Luis Obispo, Calif., native also enjoyed his first opening weekend experience at Dudy Noble Field.

"It was a lot of fun being out there the first weekend," Detz said. "My dad came out and I was glad he got to see me play a little bit. It was a good experience."

Detz has appeared in four of the five MSU wins this season. He hit a two-run double in first career start in game one of Sunday's doubleheader against Portland.

"It felt good to get that first hit and get that out of the way," Detz said.

So far the 5-foot-10, 177-pounder is hitting .125 with a double, two RBIs, two runs scored and four walks to begin his Diamond Dog career.



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