Tony Bullard hit the go-ahead home run, and TJ Nichols threw six strong innings as Arizona defeated No. 2 Tennessee in the season opener in Scottsdale.
Ari Koslow Special to the Arizona Daily Star SCOTTSDALE — Arizona opened its 2023 season under the bright lights of Salt River Fields against No. 2 Tennessee. Led by a dominant outing from TJ Nichols and a home run by Tony Bullard on his birthday, the Wildcats took the opener from Tennessee 3-1.
Arizona took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second on a home run hit by Bullard. The senior dealt with a shoulder injury early last season that limited his ability at the plate as well as in the field. He exploded in the postseason last year and will be a huge factor for the UA lineup this season at full health.
Nichols found his groove and command early. After allowing a run on two hits in the opening frame, he would go on to allow just one hit through the next five innings. He did walk one and hit two batters but struck out six Tennessee hitters and needed just 91 pitches to record the quality start. Nichols tossed only two outings last season of six or more innings with one walk or fewer allowed. At times last year when he would struggle early, Nichols would let those struggles get to him the rest of his outing. He was able to bounce back quickly on Friday after allowing a few early hits.
“There’s a reason he pitched in this game,” Hale said. “Let’s face it: He proved us last year as the season went on, he was one of our most reliable relievers. Whether it is a left-handed hitter or right-handed hitter, he is good against both, so he’s going to get a lot of innings this year for us.”
Mac Bingham was able to connect on a two-out double to drive in Kiko Romero for his second RBI of the night to give Arizona an insurance run before Trevor Long came on for the ninth inning to close out the Volunteers.
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