As the Pac-12 baseball season officially gets underway, the Washington Huskies find themselves set to embark on a road trip to face the Utah Utes. The Huskies will be looking to make a statement in their first conference series, as they gear up to face a Utah squad that is coming off a solid showing in their last outing.
Having not played a game since the start of the season, Washington will have to shake off some rust as they head into Salt Lake City. With the Utes returning all of their starters from last season, the Huskies will face a formidable opponent in the opening series of Pac-12 play.
The Utes, who finished fourth in the conference last year, have been hot out of the gate this season. They are currently on a three-game winning streak, including a series win over the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
The Huskies, meanwhile, have been up and down to start the year. They have already dropped a series to North Carolina State, as well as a midweek matchup against Gonzaga. Although they have had their struggles, the Huskies have also shown signs of life, with wins over Oregon State and top-ranked Vanderbilt.
With a deep pitching staff and a powerful lineup, the Huskies are confident that they can turn their season around with a strong showing against the Utes. Washington’s starting rotation features a trio of seniors who have all seen significant playing time over their careers. Ace Jeff Hawke will be followed by Connor Moore and Ryan Schmitten, who have both been successful as starters in the past.
The Huskies also boast a deep and talented lineup, with a mix of veterans and young players. Senior first baseman Joe Wainhouse leads the team in home runs and RBIs. Sophomore designated hitter Alex Hardy has also been a spark plug for the offense, providing a spark at the top of the lineup.
With so much on the line, Washington will be looking to make a statement in their first Pac-12 series. The Huskies will have their work cut out for them, as they face a Utah team that is coming off a strong showing. But with a deep and experienced roster, the Huskies will look to prove that they are capable of competing at the highest level.