The first game of the year got off to a slow start — for everyone except sophomore AJ Russell. In his first ever start, after spending his entire freshman season in the bullpen, the 6-6, Tennessee native faced 16 batters in 4.1 IP, gave up 3 H, struck out 10 and surrendered just 2 runs.
Russell struck out three in the first, working around a two-out single and stolen second base. His fastball touched as high as 97, and he continued to work it through the early innings.
AJ'a adjustment to the starting rotation seems to be going just fine.