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Mountain West Baseball Season Gets Underway
Opening Weekend Preview for Mountain West Teams
Contact/Follow @MWCwire
Baseball season is here
Well, finally. Reality begins and dreams begin to be either dashed or take fruit. Which would I like? The Mountain West members win all their OOC games and then it’s a dog fight to the end and they all end up with the same record. What would the NCAA do in this improbable case? I will be keeping an eye on starting pitching mostly. I want to see if any unfamiliar names come up roses.
San Jose State
Four games at home with Northern Colorado starting Friday the 17th. The Spartans could be out to prove that they can play the game even if they have gone through some rough times with the coaching situation. I’ll be truly interested to see who starts on the bump for these four games. The Bears are a middle of the pack member of the WAC and they don’t do very well in their OOC games. I’ll venture a split or maybe three out of four for the Spartans.
San Diego State
Three games at home with UC Santa Barbara. First game on the 16th. Another interesting series. The Gauchos could be pretty good this year. Assuming that’s the case and the Aztecs coming off a championship season, this could be a great series. One worth watching; go to it!
UNLV
Four games at home in the Marucci Desert Classic which will feature Indiana State, Oregon, and Loyola Marymount. First game is on the 16th against Indiana State. I suspect they will be able to handle Indiana State but will struggle against both LMU and Oregon. Both have been strong in the past but who knows this year. Challenges are good.
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New Mexico
Four games on the road in Arizona at the Surprise Tournament. Yes, folks, that’s a name of a town in Arizona as is my favorite, Ajo. Practice your Spanish. The teams will be Oregon State, Cal Poly, and Gonzaga; there very good programs. First game on the 16th against OSU. That’ll be a toughie as the Beavers were one of the best, if not the best in the land last year.
Their pitching will be outstanding again as they have a projected pitcher of the year on the squad who may open against the Lobos. LMU faded a bit last season but they’ve had great pitching in the past. This year? I’m betting they will return to a pitching team rather than a hitting one. Gonzaga is always good or better. I guess I’m saying this tournament could be a good one as it is on paper.
Nevada
They hit the road for their opening three game series with UC Irvine. First game on the 16th. The Anteaters were 23-33 last season and preseason polls have them picked 6th in the Big West so things are not looking up for the program. Irvine lost their top hitters and the pitching was not good so it will be a challenge for the Anteaters to stay with the Wolf Pack.
However, the rotation comes back pretty complete with one good starter (Louis Raymond) toeing the rubber. Nevada should be at least competitive in this series if not take it. Then again, I find it hard to believe the Anteaters will suck again this year. It’s a good program.
Fresno State
The Bulldogs open at home with four games against Michigan State. First game on the 16th. The Spartans were decent last season with good pitching and hitting. If that trend continues this should be a good series and the mutts will be tested on both ends of the playing field. I do like pitching.
Air Force
The Falcons take a long flight to the islands to play Hawaii for four games with the first on the 16th. Careful guys, the islands can be intoxicating. Hopes can sometimes go to the islands and die and I hope it doesn’t happen to the Falcons. Then again, the Falcons’ pitching is questionable but the hitting is not.
Overall, the two best options for viewing would appear to be the tournament in Arizona in which the Lobos are playing and the Fresno State – Michigan State series. But, Hawaii calls. Hey, old guys, remember that radio program from the 50’s?