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.
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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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