Welcome to Episode No. 53 of The Scarlet Faithful podcast. This episode previews the Rutgers baseball season ahead with head coach Steve Owens. As he enters his fourth season, he had raised the level of the program each year. The Scarlet Knights are ranked No. 29 in the preseason by Collegiate Baseball as expectations remain high this spring.
After breaking the program record with 44 wins and a best ever second place finish in the Big Ten, Rutgers returns many key players this season. Ryan Lasko, Chris Brito and Tony Santa Maria will lead a lineup that hopes to be as explosive as last season.
The starting pitching staff will feature two transfers and a freshman which coach Owens discusses. In addition, a veteran bullpen featuring many returnees from last season including Sam Portnoy, Sam Bello, Garrett French and Ben Gorski.
The non-conference schedule features four NCAA Tournament teams from last season in Campbell, UNC-Greensboro, Mercer and UConn.
The Scarlet Knights will also debut lights this season and will play a handful of night games for the first time in program history.
Additional topics discussed with Owens this episode include the breakthrough 2022 campaign, the disappointment of not making the NCAA Tournament, a strong returning core as well as many newcomers, a review of the lineup and pitching staff, the non-conference schedule, expectations and more.
Thanks to coach Owens for taking time to preview his team ahead of Friday’s season opener. And thank you for listening and watching.
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This was a welcome diversion from the sudden turn of events regarding men’s basketball. Thanks for a great interview, Aaron, and the opportunity to get a closer look at the baseball team and the HC. Yet another great coaching hire by Pat Hobbs that’s paying early dividends. Good to hear about the facility upgrades and more quality Jersey talent staying and/or returning home With so many promising spring sports programs, it looks like I just may have to spring for a BTN+ subscription!
pj43
February 15, 2023 at 8:15 pm
This was a welcome diversion from the sudden turn of events regarding men’s basketball. Thanks for a great interview, Aaron, and the opportunity to get a closer look at the baseball team and the HC. Yet another great coaching hire by Pat Hobbs that’s paying early dividends. Good to hear about the facility upgrades and more quality Jersey talent staying and/or returning home With so many promising spring sports programs, it looks like I just may have to spring for a BTN+ subscription!