The Cougars are opening their season of high expectations with a three-game series against the Minnesota Gophers this weekend, with the first game set for 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
The Cougars have received national recognition multiple times this preseason as they were ranked No.3 by Baseball America after finishing last season ranked No. 11. The Cougars nearly made it to Omaha after winning the American Athletic Conference, but falling to the University of Texas in the Super Regionals.
Six of the championship team’s offensive starters return this year to be joined by a complete return from the Top 10 starting pitching rotation. The two factors combined give the Cougars confidence in meeting their high expectations for the season.
Historically, the Gophers hold a 13-10-2 record from the previous 25 meetings between the pair. The Cougars fell to the Gophers in their most recent meeting as back in March of 1987 they were defeated 18-15. The Cougars are looking to change the pattern as the three-game series will mark the first meeting of the two at the new Cougar Field.
Following the opening game on Friday, there will be games at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. The Cougars are confident going into the weekend as they have swept the last three opening weekends under the coaching of fifth-year head coach Todd Whitting.
