By Jackson Wall
Well, we made it! We have finally reached Opening Weekend of the 2024 college baseball season. Texas Tech begins the season against Tennessee in the Shriners Children's College Showdown at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX. Let's get into a preview of Weekend #1.
Texas Tech Projected Starting Lineup (2023: 41-23, 12-12 XII, NCAA Regional)
C | Kevin Bazzell | R/R | Sophomore (RS) |
1B | Gavin Kash | L/R | Junior |
2B | Tracer Lopez | L/R | Sophomore |
3B | Cade McGee | R/R | Junior |
SS | Will Burns | R/R | Sophomore |
LF | Drew Woodcox | R/R | Senior |
CF | Gage Harrelson | L/L | Sophomore |
RF | Owen Washburn | L/R | Junior |
DH | Austin Green | L/R | Senior |
Game 1 - vs. #9 Tennessee (2023: 44-22, 16-14 SEC, College World Series)
This game is must-watch baseball. The Red Raiders are facing an elite Tennessee squad with potential for a repeat return to Omaha. Expect to see Kyle Robinson start in the season opener for Tech, as he is projected to be the Friday starter this season. One key Volunteer player Tech needs to control is Jr. 3B Billy Amick, the transfer from Clemson. Amick had a 2023 slash line of .413/.464/.772, with 13 HR and 63 RBI's. All in all, this is one of the don't-miss matchups of Opening Day.
Game 2 - vs. Nebraska (33-23-1, 15-9 B1G)
Compared to Game 1, this matchup is a decent step back in terms of pure excitement. Nebraska failed to make the NCAA tournament last season, while having a rebuilding season. Expect to see either Zane Petty or Trendan Parish to start this game for Tech, and watch for Tech pitching to be especially careful with Gabe Swansen, a sophomore outfielder who last year slashed .291/.410/.654 with 18 home runs.
Game 3 - vs. Oregon (2023: 41-22, 16-14 PAC 12, NCAA Super Regional)
This game should be interesting, because Oregon has some solid talent, they just have to put the pieces together for a full season. The Ducks hosted but fell to Oral Roberts just one step short of Omaha last season, so expect them to come back hungry for more. One key player on the Oregon squad to watch is Jeffery Heard, the Sacramento State transfer who hit .292 with 12 homers last season. For the Tech starter in this game, expect to see either Taber Fast or Mac Heuer, a 6'4" 230 lb. flamethrower from Georgia, who would be an exciting choice to see on the mound.
(Images courtesy of Arlington.org, and @TTU_Baseball on X)
*****
留言