The freshmen are making senior-size contributions for Fresno State baseball.

The Diamond Dogs are 7-4, highlighted by winning two out of three at Stanford last weekend. It was the first series win at Sunken Diamond since 1999. Fresno State followed with a 2-0 victory at home Tuesday night against Sacramento State.

This weekend, Fresno State plays a three-game series at Arizona.

Injuries, in part, led head coach Ryan Overland to insert several freshmen into the starting lineup. They have fared well in the first 11 games.

“We’ve gotten production from a lot of places, one through nine in the lineup. I know there’s been a lot of excitement around some of the freshmen — Hewitt, Nolen and Boyd — they’ve been in there every day and contributing,” Overland said.

Freshman Parker Heintz, out of Buchanan High School in Clovis, won Mountain West Freshman of the Week honors after pitching seven shutout innings, including a four-inning save at Stanford.

Third baseman Mikey Boyd from Granada High is hitting .414 and slugging .552. Shortstop Brady Hewitt, who came to the Bulldogs from Simi Valley, is hitting .333 and slugging .563. Outfielder Marcus Nolen, out of Fresno’s Central East, leads the team with 14 RBI and two homers.

“They’re mature, they are ready to play, they’re good baseball players, and they’ve handled it so far,” Overland said.

Faust Sets the Table With .489 On-Base Percentage

Overland also cited “older” players such as Jett Ruby, Owen Faust, Griffen Sotomayor, and Sky Collins.

“Those guys who have some experience have been really steady in the middle, and then the production from the younger guys has been able to help here and there,” Overland said.

Faust, a sophomore infielder-outfielder, is now one of the team veterans playing among the freshmen.

“They’ve done a spectacular job and contributed a lot to this program, and I’m excited to see the future for them and our whole team,” Faust said.

He is hitting .333 with 11 singles in 33 at-bats and a .489 on-base percentage. He has also scored 16 runs.

“I’m just seeing the ball really well. I’m trying to get my best swing off, and if it’s not there, it’s just not there. I just try to do my job and get on base for those more powerful guys, you could say, in the lineup to drive me in,” Faust said.

Tyler Patrick, Drew Townson and Victor Arreola have been the main starting pitchers. Townson has posted a 2.77 ERA, with Arreola leading the team with 11 strikeouts.

Arizona Challenge

The Wildcats are 3-9 but did start the year ranked No. 24 in the nation. Last season, they played in the College World Series.

“There’s going to be that type of experience and that type of athleticism in these big programs. Going on the road there, their park is going to play really big. Balls will carry if it’s warm, but their outfield is big,” Overland said.

Playing in Tucson will be a good test for the team.

“Whatever their record is today, their talent level is that they’re going to be the best, most talented team in the country at that level. I’m sure of that,” Overland said.