TrailBlazer Baseball Working to Find Rhythm Through first 11 Games
ASU-Mountain Home Baseball Recap: First 11 Games
Through the first 11 games of the season, ASU-Mountain Home Baseball has been tested early and often, facing a slate of opponents that has offered very little breathing room. The TrailBlazers' record and results to this point don't tell the whole story—because the level of competition has been high, and the team has been forced to play meaningful baseball from the opening weekend.
Head coach Landon Hay emphasized both the challenge and the team's mindset as the season has unfolded:
> "We have played and incredibly challenging schedule so far and our guys, although frustrated have continued to come to the field each day for practice with optimism and that is great to see. We have a couple guys still working their way back from injury. Our team is talented and when we are fully heathy and find our idetity out of the bullpen we have a chance to be really dangerous."
A schedule that hasn't let up
The early portion of the season has featured opponents capable of punishing mistakes and capitalizing on extra opportunities. For a team still settling into roles—especially on the mound—ASU-Mountain Home has had to learn quickly. The TrailBlazers have seen strong lineups, consistent pitching, and the kind of depth that can turn close games in a hurry.
Bullpen growing pains
One of the clearest themes of the first 11 games has been the difficulty in locking down innings late. The TrailBlazers' bullpen has had stretches where it has struggled to consistently throw strikes, limit free passes, and stop rallies once they start. In several games, the margin has been thin—competitive early innings followed by a tough sequence in relief that swung momentum.
That said, there have been encouraging signs recently, particularly from a pair of relievers who have started to stabilize outings.
Recent bright spots: Jones, Lundine and Schwarting in relief
Rylan Jones, Lance Lundine and Kutler Schwarting have delivered notable recent relief appearances, providing the kind of competitive innings that can change the tone of a game and give the team a chance to reset. Their work has stood out not only for results, but for the confidence and tempo they've brought to the mound—exactly the type of identity the TrailBlazers are continuing to build in the bullpen.
Mattox setting the tone offensively
At the plate, Broc Mattox has been one of the early season success stories. While the lineup has faced quality arms throughout the schedule, Mattox has consistently produced competitive at-bats and helped keep pressure on opposing pitching staffs. His early success has been an important foundation for an offense still working to string together full-game production against tough competition.
Looking Ahead
The TrailBlazers will travel to Iola, KS this weekend for a 4-game set vs. the Red Devils of Allen Community College. Allen represents the 6th NJCAA Div 1 opponent that ASUMH has faced this season and additionally provides another road test. Stay tuned to www.asumhathletics.com for scores, stats & updates as they become available.