The Aztecs are coming

It was a good weekend for us, as we were able to get three wins against a very tough Northwestern team.

Our series opener on Friday night went 15 innings, but we were able to win 9-8 over the Wildcats. It was a really fun game to be a part of because in the dugout we were doing different rallies to keep loose. Guys get tired after three hours and it can be tough to stay up in the dugout. So we did a couple things that were fun and we were all enjoying it.

Everybody on the team contributed and those games are really good to win. The way that game ended was just awesome. I love walk-off wins. It was so much fun running out there and ripping the guy’s jersey off and jumping around. I’m sure it’s a sight to see a bunch of guys jump around like they are kids again.

Following our game on Friday, we had our first doubleheader of the year on Saturday and we went in with the mentality to win both games. It’s pretty tough to come out with full energy for a doubleheader because you kind of have to conserve some, but at the same time you still need to come out ready to win both.

It was especially hard after the long night on Friday to turnaround and wake up early the next morning. Overall I think we played well and did a good job of bouncing back, even though we split the DH.

On Sunday, our bullpen pitched much better and our starting pitcher Blaze Bohall just came out and shoved again. I don’t know what has gotten into that kid. I don’t know if it is the No. 20 jersey he is wearing (UNLV’s 2014 first round draft pick Erick Fedde also wore No. 20) or if he just figured something out. He has been phenomenal this year and he was lights out against Northwestern. We all just fed off of that and were able to pick up the win.

The first three games were pretty offensive as we scored 32 runs combined. It was nice to see our bats wake up but we need to pitch well too. In the series finale we kind of got back to what we have been doing all year as we limited the Wildcats to two runs.

This weekend we jump back into conference play as we host San Diego State. For the last three years the Aztecs have been one of the best teams in the conference. They are really good every year because they can always pitch well and hit. Their hitting numbers this season are outstanding, so we are really going to have to come out and pitch like we know we can. We also need to come out and put up some numbers offensively. We can’t just rely on 2, 3 or 4 runs to win a game. Hopefully we can come out and show our best stuff and get it started on Friday night.

We really appreciate all the support we get from all the Rebel fans. It is awesome to play in front of you all and you are a big reason why our record at home the past few years is as good as it is. Hopefully you continue to come out and enjoy some good baseball.

I’m hearing that Friday night is “Ladies Night.” If you wear pink your ticket is half off and the first 250 ladies get a free shirt! Sounds like a killer deal to me. We look forward to seeing you at Earl E. Wilson Stadium.

Thanks for reading!

-Erik VanMeetren