As the 2025 season approaches, Stanford University's baseball team is gearing up for its inaugural campaign in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Cardinal are poised to make a significant impact, bolstered by a formidable pitching roster that includes two standout right-handers. Matt Scott and Joey Volchko have garnered preseason All-American recognition, signaling their pivotal role in leading the team through a challenging season.

The Cardinal's pitching staff will be the cornerstone of their strategy as they face some of college baseball's toughest competition. Scott, who served as the Friday starter last year, demonstrated his potential despite a tough 2024 season. He finished with 103 strikeouts, leading the Pac-12, and showcased an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.86. Meanwhile, Volchko, who alternated between starting and relieving roles, proved his versatility with a 2-1 record and 53 strikeouts over 42.2 innings. His performance in the Cape Cod League further solidified his potential, where he improved his ERA to 2.37 and increased his strikeout rate significantly.

The upcoming season holds great promise for Stanford as it seeks to rebuild after a disappointing 2024 record of 22-33. Both Scott and Volchko spent the summer honing their skills with the USA Collegiate National Team, gaining valuable experience against international competition. Adding to the excitement is the arrival of Rintaro Sasaki, a highly anticipated freshman hailed by Baseball America as the top prospect for the season. Sasaki's decision to pursue his collegiate career in the U.S. sets him on a path toward the MLB Draft, aiming to fast-track his professional aspirations.

The Stanford Cardinal are set to embark on an exciting new chapter in the ACC, driven by the strength of their pitching lineup and the fresh talent brought by Sasaki. This transition represents not only a strategic shift but also an opportunity for the team to reassert its dominance in college baseball. With dedication and hard work, the Cardinal are well-positioned to reclaim their winning ways and inspire future generations of players.