Anna 
Baylor’s baseball team is off to a strong start, sitting at 4-0 for the third time since 2013. The Bears will aim to keep their momentum going as they host Gonzaga for a three-game series at Baylor Ballpark this weekend.
The team has been impressive both offensively and on the mound. Currently ranked seventh in the nation for batting average at .396, Baylor also boasts a solid team ERA of 2.36, placing them in the Big 12’s top five. Head coach Mitch Thompson praised the team’s early performance but emphasized that they must continue improving as they focus on the bigger picture.
“We’ve played like we’re capable of,” Thompson said. “It’s been a good 4-0 start, but it’s time to move on and keep getting better.”
For the series against Gonzaga (1-2), Thompson will keep the same pitching rotation. Junior left-hander Ethan Calder, who earned Big 12 Co-Pitcher of the Week honors after striking out 13 batters in the season opener, will start Friday’s game. Seniors Bryson Bales (left-hand pitcher) and Cole Stasio (right-hand pitcher) will follow on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Bales emphasized the importance of consistency: “We’ve put in the work, and we’re all expecting the results. We just go day by day and each guy does his own job.”
Baylor’s offense has been equally strong, scoring an average of 11 runs per game and giving their pitchers ample support. Six players are hitting .350 or better, with four batting over .500.
“The biggest thing for us is getting the lineup hot, especially getting all the freshmen’s feet wet,” Bales said. “These wins are crucial for our record down the road. Every one of them counts.”
This will be Gonzaga’s first-ever matchup against Baylor. The Bulldogs enter the series after dropping a three-game series to UC Davis. Enzo Apodaca, a redshirt senior right fielder who transferred from Gonzaga to Baylor, is eager to face his former team.
“I respect that program a lot,” Apodaca said. “I’m excited to go see the guys I know and am close with over there.”
With temperatures expected to be in the 30s and 40s this weekend, the Bears are prepared for the cold but remain focused on the games ahead.
“We’ll have to be tough this weekend,” Thompson said. “Friday and Saturday are going to be cold, but we’re going to play, and we’ll just have to wear enough clothes and get warm when we’re in the dugout.”
The series opener is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday at Baylor Ballpark.
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