TUCSON, Ariz. — Backed by a sterling performance from TJ Nichols and another multi-RBI performance from Tanner O'Tremba, the Arizona Wildcats (9-1) cruised to a 7-2 victory over the Texas State Bobcats (8-2) on Friday night.

Nichols was dominant over 6.2 innings for the Wildcats, improving to 2-0 on the year and dropping his season ERA to 1.08. The power right-hander allowed just one unearned run on four hits while striking out six on 101 pitches.

O'Tremba drove in three runs on two hits, including the Wildcats first two in the opening frame, and has now driven in a team-high 15 runs in 10 games to open the year.

The Wildcats bullpen allowed just one run to cross over the final two-plus innings, but never truly allowed the Bobcats back into the game.

Arizona WildBATS

• DH Tanner O'Tremba: 2-for-3, R, 2 2B, 3 RBI, BB
• C Daniel Susac: 2-for-4, 4 R, 2 2B
• CF Mac Bingham: 1-for-4, RBI

Bullpen Bullies

• RHP Trevor Long: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R

Number of the Night

• With Friday's win, Arizona improved to 9-1 under first-year head coach Chip Hale. The 9-1 mark ties Hale with Any Lopez for the best 10-game start to a Wildcats head coaching tenure in modern program history (since 1950).

Photo of the Night

Tweets of the Night

Tip of the ?? to @tj_nichols25 ! His final line tonight: 6.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 6 K ?? pic.twitter.com/d5tTvr4nzC

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) March 5, 2022

Cats strike first! @tannero42 stays en fuego ?? pic.twitter.com/5sSMauOw3C

— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) March 5, 2022

Up Next

Arizona and Texas State square off in game two on Saturday night. The Wildcats will go for their third straight winning weekend to open the season. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m. MST.