Information from the Arizona media relations department contributed to this report:
One of Arizona’s greats — Chip Hale — got off to a great start to his career as the Wildcats’ head coach Friday with an 8-6 win over Kansas State at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Arizona took a seven-run lead and held on for the victory for its 14th consecutive win on Opening Day.
Right-hander TJ Nichols earned the Opening Day start for the Wildcats and delivered a good performance. The righty worked four innings and allowed just one run on five hits and struck out seven.
Arizona baseball coaching debuts
The results of the debuts of Arizona baseball coaches dating to when Frank Sancet started his career with the Wildcats in 1950. *Indicates neutral game at Arlington, Texas.| Coach | Year | Opp | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Sancet | 1950 | UCLA | W/21-10 |
| Jerry Kindall | 1973 | UCLA | L/2-1 |
| Jerry Stitt | 1997 | at Hawaii-Hilo | W/14-1 |
| Andy Lopez | 2002 | New Mexico | W/6-2 |
| Jay Johnson | 2016 | at Rice | W/8-1 |
| Chip Hale | 2022 | *Kansas State | W/8-6 |
Sophomore first baseman Noah Turley, a transfer from Yavapai College, scored the Wildcats’ first run of the season with a home run to dead center at Globe Life Field.
Arizona took an 8-1 lead midway through the eighth inning before Kansas State rallied for five runs in the bottom of the inning.
Southpaw Holden Christian, a transfer from Loyola Marymount, worked out of a jam and closed the door in the ninth to earn his first save for the Wildcats.
Preseason consensus All-American Daniel Susac finished 2 for 5 with a double and three RBIs. He caught his cousin Anthony Susac, a reliever who struck out five in 2 1/3 innings.
Arizona next plays Oklahoma on Saturday at 6 p.m., Tucson time.
Top Arizona batters:
C Daniel Susac, 2 for 5, 2B, 3 RBIs
1B Noah Turley, 1 for 3, 2 runs, HR, RBI
RF Tanner O’Tremba, 1 for 4, run, HR, RBI
SS Nik McClaughry, 1 for 3, 2 runs, 3B, RBI
CF Mac Bingham, 1 for 4, run, 2B, RBI
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