Season Opener in Louisiana

Sophomores pitchers Chris Capper, Taylor Cole and Mark Anderson get the starting nod for BYU’s season openers this weekend at Northwestern State in Natchitoches, La.

Righthanders Capper (4-2, 2.80) and Cole (10-3, 1.37 in 2008 at the College of Southern Nevada) will be BYU’s pitchers in Friday and Saturday’s games at 6:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. CT, respectively. Southpaw Anderson (3-1, 6.14) will be the starter in Saturday’s second game of the doubleheader.

“This is the best pitching staff I’ve had in my 12 years,” said BYU coach Vance Law. “We have 10 solid guys.”

The twice-drafted transfer Cole was the 2008 Scenic West Conference Pitcher of the Year prior to serving a Church mission to Canada.

“We are tired of practicing against one another and are ready to go, well prepared and hope we get off to a good start,” said Law.

Northwestern State was 36-21 last season and returns 18 lettermen, including starters at the infield corners. BYU was 27-31 last year and returns 21 lettermen, including players who have started in all positions with the exception of freshmen outfielders Kelton Caldwell and Jaycob Brugman at left and right fields.

Caldwell and Brugman are two of a possible seven left-handed batters that could appear in the starting lineup.

“Having all of these left-handers is a bonus until we face a tough lefty,” Law said.

Fans can view livestats of all three games through links on www.byucougars.com.

This is BYU baseball’s first time playing in the state of Louisiana. The Cougars beat S.W. Louisiana in 1984 (5-4) at the Best in the West Classic in Fresno, Calif.

Following the trip to Louisiana, the Cougars return home to prepare for the Brooks Wallace Memorial Classic at Texas Tech University next week.