A Coach’s Brief Baseball Debut
Weber State football coach Eric Kjar stepped onto the mound at Lindquist Field on Thursday night, delivering the ceremonial first pitch to mark the Ogden Raptors’ home opener. The crowd of roughly 2,500 fans cheered as Kjar, a longtime baseball enthusiast, took a moment to connect with the minor‑league audience before returning to his primary role on the Wildcats’ sidelines.
Right‑hander Nico Saltaformaggio answered the call with a stellar seven‑inning performance, surrendering just one run while striking out four batters. His effort improved his record to 2‑0 and underscored the Raptors’ depth heading into a season that promises more than just novelty appearances.
The game’s pivotal moment arrived in the sixth inning when Carmine Lane launched a solo home run, pushing the Raptors ahead 4‑1. The blast ignited a surge that carried through the middle innings, setting the stage for a decisive offensive outburst.
Bradley Pelle added an RBI single in the eighth frame, extending the lead and capping a night in which Ogden compiled nine runs on eleven hits and seven RBIs. The offensive barrage illustrated the team’s balanced attack, blending power and clutch hitting.
A Late Rally
Missoula’s late rally came when Xavier Casserilla smashed a two‑run homer in the ninth, narrowing the gap but ultimately falling short as the Raptors sealed a 9‑3 victory.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the experience, Kjar expressed his love for baseball and his intention to foster relationships with the Raptors’ fan base. ‘Baseball has always been a passion of mine,’ he said, noting that the outing was a chance to give back to the community that supports both sports programs.
Beyond the spectacle, Kjar revealed that he has already signed twelve freshmen for the upcoming football season, among them Weber High standout Dyson Parker. The cross‑sport connections highlight an emerging synergy between the university’s athletic departments.