SURPRISE, Ariz. – Stanford University beat against No. 24 University of Arizona, 10-7, during the opening weekend of college baseball.
These two teams have played each other 10 times. This is Stanford’s first win since May 13, 2023, with a score of 9-2. Ever since, the Cardinals have lost.
“It’s about time,” head coach David Esquer said.
Underdogs
The Cardinals were the underdog in the game and were expected to lose, but in the sixth inning, they proved that this year is different.
Going into the sixth, the game was tied 5-5, and Arizona switched to senior RHP Nolan Straniero.
While the inning started with a strikeout, the Cardinals showed off their baseball IQ. Stanford sophomore infielder Charlie Bates was walked but quickly stole second and third.
Senior infielder Jimmy Nati then walked and stole second, knowing the Wildcats would not throw.
Junior outfielder Brady Reynolds came to the box. He continued to fight, fouling multiple times. His teammates on the bench yelled “I love you” multiple times. Reynolds then hit an RBI out but allowed Bates to start the lead again, 6-5, and Nati to advance to third.
Rintaro Sasaki is a key player to the Cardinals
Sophomore first baseman Rintaro Sasaki then walked and stole second, again knowing the Wildcats would not throw.
“He’s (Sasaki) grown as a player. He’s that much better, and he’s got more discipline,” Esquer said. “He also plays with such great team spirit.”
Stanford sophomore infielder JJ Moran hit a single, but allowed Nati and Sasaki to extend the lead to 8-5.
“I don’t think there’s one player who hasn’t improved from a year ago. Whether it’s JJ, Moran, Bates, they’re all better,” Esquer said.
Arizona switched pitchers for the fourth time to senior LHP Patrick Morris.
Junior catcher Luke Lavin was up in the box, and on the fifth pitch, he sealed the game, hitting a two-run homer, extending the lead to 10-5.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Wildcats were able to make up two runs. Neither team was able to score in the last three innings.
Both teams switched their pitchers on five different occasions.
“Our pitching is going to be a work in progress,” Esquar said. “A couple pitchers are going to come out and not pitch as well as they like, but it doesn’t matter. They are going to pitch again.”
Two freshmen ended at the pitching mound for Stanford, Colt Peterson and Mike Erspamer.
“They earned the right to be out there in a tight game,” Esquer said. “They both performed well.”
Stanford will play against Michigan on Saturday at 5 p.m.
“It’s good to win,” Esquer said.
