IRVINE, Calif.—San Diego State pitching coach Rusty Filter confirmed this morning that junior righthander Stephen Strasburg will start today against Virginia at 4 p.m. PT. The Aztecs gave serious thought to starting junior righty Tyler Lavigne, who might have been able to come back on short rest if needed Monday, while Strasburg will only pitch once this weekend to protect his $20 million to $50 million arm. But winning the first game is critical, and Virginia has a very dangerous offense, so throwing Strasburg today is the right move. San Diego State’s coaching staff had kept its thinking close to the vest until this morning, but you can put the speculation to rest.