"FIRST PITCH"
• The Red Wolves are now 37-36 in season openers after last year's season opening shutout over Illinois State. Bradey Welsh tied his career high with 7.22 innings and only allowed on hit with a career-high eight strikeouts against one walk to earn the win. In the season opener the Red Wolves only had two hits on the night, but both came from MacDonald with his fourth-inning long ball providing the team's only run off of Illinois State.
•A-State has opened at home in five of the season openers under head coach Tommy Raffo with a 4-1 record in those contest.