Nevada baseball opens season today

You can't blame Nevada baseball coach Gary Powers when he says he's not sure what to expect during this weekend's season-opening three game series against University of the Pacific.

Nevada is coming off a 30-29 record overall and 14-16 in Western Athletic Conference play. The Wolf Pack will send out Travis Sutton (8-5, 5.43) at 6 p.m. tonight, newcomer Tim Schoeninger (3-2 at Nebraska) on Saturday and Ryan Rodriguez (5-7, 6.09) on Sunday.

The playing surface at Peccole Park is still covered with snow, meaning the Wolf Pack have been forced to work indoors on its hitting and on the artificial turf of the intramural fields for fielding. It's hampered every aspect of the Wolf Pack's preparation.

"I still have high expectations," said Powers, who is starting his 23rd year at the helm and is 26 wins away from 700. "This is the worst it's been since I've been here. I know the kids mentally will be ready to play, but physically I don't know how we'll do.

"Hitters don't get to see live pitching in the right environment. Pitchers don't get to throw off a real mound. Outfielders don't get to see the balls coming off the bat (like they would normally) and the infielders don't get to read the ball to get the proper angle like they normally would."

Powers said it's also retarding the progress of the new players on the roster, especially freshmen like outfielders Terrence Walsh, Michael Vass, Jesse Oliver and Reno High's Drew Johnson not to mention hurlers Steve Taylor and Reno High's Chris Rickey. With outfielders Jacob Butler (shoulder, hamstring) and Fullerton State transfer Shawn Scobee (hamstring) banged up, the freshmen outfielders should see plenty of action.

Normally at this stage of the season, pitchers would be on a 100 to 110-pitch count. Powers said that starters will throw between 80 and 90 early on, which means that three or four pitchers will see action in every game.

Schoeninger recently had eight stitches removed from his right thumb, which means he isn't in top shape. The 6-4 junior throws in the low 90s and, according to Powers, does a good job of keeping the ball down in the zone.

"Travis and Ryan have both matured which you would expect," Powers said. "Travis had an outstanding season. He went out there every game and kept us in the game."

Powers said three others pitchers - returnee Chris Scott (4-2, 8.20), Rickey and returnee Adam Colton (4-2, 6.15), who missed fall ball with a tender shoulder, are also battling for starting spots. Taylor and JC transfer Wesley Dorsett are battling for the closer role.

Powers is going with veterans in the infield - Ben Mummy (.367, 8 homers) starts at first, Bub Madrid (.250, 32 RBI) opens at second base, Robert Marcial (.298, 43 RBI) is at short and Eric Newman (.235) will be at third. That group will be challenged by freshmen Matt Bowman of Dayton and David Ciarlo, both of whom can play second and third.

Behind the plate is Brett Hayes, the WAC's Preseason Player of the Year. He hit .337 last season, scoring 53 runs and driving in 48. Hayes played for Team USA during the summer at the World University Championships and hit .315 while playing seven different positions.

Baker Krukow is his backup, and will see some action behind the plate and at designated hitter. Ex-Douglas star Austin Graham also could see time as the DH.

Notes: UOP is 1-0 after beating Cal 5-4 on Feb. 1... Butler definitely will miss this weekend and Scobee, the transfer from Fullerton State, is currently only 75 percent healthy. Powers fears that if Scobee and Butler keep playing their health won't get any better.