USU baseball hosts Idaho State in home opener

By Logan Jones

Utah State University is set to face Idaho State University in the Aggies’ home opener Friday at 6 p.m. at Providence Field. The game is the first of a three-game series against the Bengals, who are currently the only team to deal the Aggies a conference loss this season.

“We beat them two out of three games earlier this season,” said sophomore second baseman David Clayton, “they will definitely be out for some revenge.”

Idaho State currently holds a 5-4 conference record, second only to USU’s 7-1 mark. With two wins this weekend, the Aggies will clinch a playoff spot with nearly half of the season still remaining.

“It’s a big matchup,” said junior Jeff Schiffman. “I don’t see why we can’t win all three games this weekend. All of our pitchers are throwing great right now and our bats are getting hot.”

USU holds a 12-8 overall record this season, and leads the Northern Pacific South Conference in home runs, RBIs and strikeouts.

“We are excited to finally get to play a home game,” Schiffman said. “I hope we can get a lot of fans out — this is a big series for us.”

Clayton is hoping to sweep the bengals this weekend so Aggie fans will take notice.

“We’re exceeding expectations right now,” Clayton said. “We want as many people to show up to our home opener as possible. It’s a white-out game and should be awesome.”

Schiffman said that fan support can make a big difference, and hopes USU students get excited for the team to go far this postseason.

“We have something extra to offer this year,” Schiffman said. “I think we have a shot to win it all.”