Arizona Wildcats on the Road Against Pac 12 Rival ASU Sun Devils
By Ryan Reyes
Arizona Wildcats Baseball: After falling to the Trojans, the Cats look to bounce back against crosstown rival Arizona State and the Oregon State Beavers Later in the week.
Arizona Wildcats
After the first three game skid against USC on Saturday, the Wildcats take the road to play Arizona State and Oregon State. USC snapped a six game winning streak with the sweeps of Arizona. The Cats will have to tune in and focus on No. 10 ASU if they plan to bounce back into form. According Azcentral.com, No. 10 ASU come in second in the Pac 12 one game behind No. 6 UCLA.
Arizona faces Arizona State tonight . Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE
The Sun Devils (21-8, 9-3) are on a roll, winning a fourth straight Pac-12 series. With their Third Baseman David Greer hitting .375 batting percentage leading the way in a comeback extra innings victory. This series is not to be taken lightly by any means. The Wildcats have to come out focused and ready to stick those forks back at the Sun Devils.
Head Coach Andy Lopez of the Wildcats, in a preview of the USC game said, “That we could take a bullet and come back right at ya.” Referring to his teams fighting nature and never giving up no matter what. They will really need this attitude against their foes. Coach Lopez seems optimistic our Cats will play to the best of their abilities.
According to the an article by James Kelly of The Daily Wildcat, the Wildcats plan to change their lineup since catcher Riley Moore was hitting about .220 batting percentage in Pac-12 play. A way to get all of the top hitters in the front of the batting order. I believe Coach is making the right decision, but making changes before a big series could be risky.
June 17, 2012; Omaha, NE, USA; Arizona Wildcats pitcher Konner Wade (48) throws against the UCLA Bruins during the second inning of game six of the 2012 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-US PRESSWIRE
They will implement a new rotation versus’ ASU. First in the rotation, Junior and Starting pitcher Cody Hamilton, will get the start on Saturday. From then on there will be changes in the rotation.
According to Jason Bartel at azdesertstorm.com, “Left-hander Xavier Borde will take over the next day, replacing Robby Medel, who had been in that slot all year. But then comes the surprising part. Third baseman/closer Bobby Dalbec will get the nod on Monday night against the Sun Devils.”
Coach Lopez believes this is the best opportunity for Dalbec to make the start with only 8 inns pitched. The Cats hand the closer role to Tyger Talley, who did not give up a run during his last outing against USC.
This will take a valiant effort from the Wildcats in order for them to pull out even a victory in this Cross-town rivalry. Let’s try to make it out to Tempe to show support for our team!
Game time information: All in Phoenix at ASU
Game 1: Saturday April 11, 7:30pm PST, on ESPNU ▪ 1290 AM
Game 2: Sunday April 12, 5:00pm PST, on Pac-12 Networks ▪ 1290 AM
Game 3: Monday April 13, 7:00pm PST, on Pac-12 Networks ▪ 1290 AM
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