(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)
After one of the longest off seasons in head coach Tracy Smith’s tenure, Arizona State will kick-off their 2018 campaign this weekend. That off season will be extended even further, as tonight’s home opener has been cancelled due to travel complications for Miami.
Due to travel complications in the Midwest, tonight’s game vs. Miami (OH) has been cancelled.
Every effort is being made to continue the rest of the weekend as scheduled. Stay tuned for more information.
— Sun Devil Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) February 16, 2018
Smith and the Sun Devils are coming off ASU’s worst season since 1962, as they ended 2017 with a 23-32 record.
With a strong offseason, including reeling in one of the top signing classes in the Pac-12, opening night could not come soon enough for the Sun Devils.
“These guys are so amped up right now,” Smith said. “They’re so excited to get that bad taste out of their mouths.”
That taste in their mouth must last a little longer however, as the official announcement came from the ASU team Twitter account early Friday morning.
There will now be two doubleheaders this weekend, with Saturday’s beginning at 2pm MST and Sunday’s beginning at 10am MST.
SCHEDULE UPDATE: The Sun Devils will play @MiamiOHBaseball in two doubleheaders.
Saturday: 2 PM (G2 begins 45 mins after G1)
Sunday: 10 AM (G2 begins 45 mins after G1)https://t.co/GKYhK1BdpW— Sun Devil Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) February 16, 2018
With the busy weekend approaching, Smith commented on how important it will be to remain focused through all 36 innings.
“We’re not going to get all emotional on a win,” he said. “We’re not going to get all emotional on a loss.”
The sentiment may be a little easier said than done, as Smith continued to illustrate how important the opening weekend is to the players.
“They have been looking forward to it all their life, to run out in a Sun Devil uniform on this diamond, so I know those heart rates are going to be going,” he said.
He’s right.
Freshman Drew Swift has been waiting for that specific moment his entire life. Growing up in Chandler, Swift describes Phoenix Municipal Stadium as his ‘backyard.’
Saturday, he will finally get his chance to hustle out of the dugout as the ASU opening night starting shortstop.
“I can’t wait, it’s so exciting,” he said. “Everyone’s got their mind right and we’re just so ready to get out there.”
Spencer Van Scoyoc has received the official nod from the coaching staff as the starting pitcher for the season opener. Last season, he started eight games and now the 6’4″ sophomore is slated as the team ace.
Sophomore outfielder Hunter Bishop took on the role as a leader of the team over the offseason, and described the clubhouse energy heading into the weekend.
“It’s been pretty special this fall and the spring so far,” he said. “But I think more than me being a leader I think we have a ton of leaders in the clubhouse.”
Miami of Ohio finished 2017 with a 6-21 road record, as the Redhawk to watch this weekend will be senior Ross Haffey. The 6’5″ infielder led the team in batting average (.338), RBI (39) and home runs (13) last season.
The Sun Devil’s goal for the weekend? As Bishop said without hesitation Tuesday afternoon…
“4-0.”
