Rick Anton and the Utah Utes return home to face BYU

The three-game series starts on Thursday as the Utah baseball team looks to build off recent momentum.  The Utes started the year 0-5 after Cal and Arkansas proved too much in early season play but the squad rebounded in March and now sits at a record of 5-7.

Anchoring the staff is senior Rick Anton, a 2011 MLB Draft prospect, who sports a 2-1 record from four games started.  The left-handed pitcher’s ERA is 2.05 and his has 24 strikeouts from 26.1 innings pitched.

On March 10th in a 6-4 win against UC Davis, he earned the victory after pitching 7.2 innings and tallying five strikeouts. 

Photo Credit: University of Utah

Speaking with Seamheads.com in February, Anton voiced his strong desire to win for his teammates above all else.  Now as the Utes return home this Thursday to Spring Mobile Ballpark, Anton is charged with delivering a victory against Utah’s in-state rival.

Leading up to the 2011 collegiate season, Anton noted that he worked on all his pitches but spent some extra time refining his changeup. 

The left-hander also shared some of the specifics behind his in-game mental approach. 

“I want to relax before the game,” Anton said on the phone.  “It’s a long day so I have to stay focused on what I need to do.”

The Utes pitcher believes that the team has the tools and talent to make a push for a regional bid.  Navigating the Mountain West Conference is the current challenge with several deep squads lurking including TCU.

“It’s a pretty good hitting conference.  TCU has a great lineup.”

Utes Diamond Notes

Junior first baseman C.J. Cron, a highly touted professional prospect, earned MWC Player of the Week honors during this stretch.  He ended last week 9-for-17 with six RBI and five doubles as the Utes went 3-1 on the road.