👋 GOOD MORNING - Happy Wednesday! We’re halfway home already, gotta love it.

I wanted to lead off today’s newsletter by remembering former D-backs outfielder Jason Conti, who sadly passed away last month at just 50 years old; the team announced the news yesterday. Conti was selected by Arizona as part of its first-ever draft class in 1996, and was part of the organization for two seasons, including the 2001 team that won the World Series. He played 52 games while knocking in 15 RBI during those two years.

Sending warm thoughts to Conti’s family, friends, former teammates and fans.

— Patrick Brown, PHNX Sports Daily Editor

The Sun Devils emphatically announced their arrival to the Big 12 with a football championship, and the Wildcats finished with an exclamation point by capturing the crown in baseball.

It’s safe to say both Arizona State and Arizona feel right at home in their new conference.

Just a year ago the road ahead was as murky as they come for ASU, UA, and their Pac-12 brothers and sisters. The schools were joined by a few familiar faces, as Utah and Colorado made the jump to the Big 12 along with them, but it was tough to estimate how both the Sun Devils and Wildcats would adjust to their new conference opponents.

As it turns out, quite well.

The conference boasts 25 sports, and of those, the schools captured seven championships. The Wildcats own three (baseball, women’s golf and men’s tennis), while the Sun Devils claimed four (football, volleyball, men’s swimming, diving and women’s swimming and diving).

In a crazy twist, the Sun Devils became the first team other than Texas in the conference’s history (since becoming the Big 12 in 1997) to win the men’s swimming and diving title. The Longhorns won it every year from 1997-2024 before departing for the SEC.

The women’s swimming and diving program isn’t much different, as ASU won the title after Texas’ dominating run from 2013-2024. The Sun Devils are also the only active member to own a title — the other conference champions are Texas A&M and Nebraska, who now compete in the SEC and Big Ten, respectively.

Talk about making an early mark!

The Wildcats, meanwhile, hold a pretty cool distinction of their own, as both the baseball and men’s tennis teams closed out the Pac-12 with a conference title in 2024 before also claiming the championship in their first year of Big 12 play.

The new conference has created some exciting storylines right out of the gate, as well. Arizona State and BYU have laid the groundwork for a heated rivalry following an incredible game in Tempe last season that came down to the final play … albeit an extremely delayed final play after fans rushed the field one second too early.

The Wildcats, meanwhile, seemed to be destined to establish a natural rivalry with blue blood Kansas on the men’s basketball side of things, but a down year from the Jayhawks prevented that from developing. What did transpire, though, were some wildly entertaining games against the likes of Houston and Iowa State, already setting the stage for seasons to come.

Combined, ASU and Arizona captured roughly a quarter of the postseason tournaments within the Big 12 — one heck of a way to introduce yourself. Yes, baseball still has some unfinished business at the College World Series. Just remember, as we roll into the doldrums of summer, the 2025-26 academic season is not that far away, and if last year is any indication, you should pay close attention.

Odds are something good is taking place right here in Arizona.

If They Win Tomorrow, That’s Called a Winning Streak: The Diamondbacks topped the Braves 8-3 yesterday in the series opener in Atlanta led by Corbin Carroll’s two home runs and four RBI. Ketel Marte also hit two home runs while adding three RBI, and Arizona has won two straight for the fist time since May 18-19. The last time they won three-or-more in a row? April 12-17.

Burnes to IL: The D-backs placed starting pitcher Corbin Burnes on the 15-day injured list yesterday with right elbow inflammation, recalling left-hander Tommy Henry from Reno in a corresponding move. Burnes had an MRI after leaving Sunday’s game against the Nationals early, and though those results are still being evaluated, he will reportedly seek a second opinion.

Ryne Nelson is expected to take his spot in the rotation, and the 27-year-old is 2-1 with a 3.43 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 13 games this season. He has started three games, putting up a 1-1 record while allowing three earned runs over that span.

On the Clock: The NCAA announced dates and times for the Wildcats’ matchup against North Carolina at the Chapel Hill Super Regional this weekend. The three-game series kicks off on Friday at 9 am AZ time (ESPN2), and Game 2 on Saturday is also at 9 am, and on ESPN2.

Should the series go to a third-and-deciding game it will be on Sunday, though the time and broadcast schedule have yet to be announced.

It’s All Academic: Congrats to Wildcat baseball players Tony Pluta, Casey Hintz and Maddox Mihalakis, who were selected to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District. It’s the second time Pluta and Hintz have received the honor, and Pluta was also named a finalist for the CSC Academic All-America distinction.

The award recognizes success both on the field and in the classroom. Congrats!

Anything You Can Do…: Not to be outdone, the Sun Devils baseball team had four baseball players recognized as CSC Academic All-District recipients: Cole Carlon, Matt King, Brandon Compton and Nu’u Contrades. Carlon and King were also named finalists for the CSC Academic All-America distinction, which will be voted on by committee members. Congrats to all of the honorees!

Can’t Beat Them: The Mercury (5-3) fell 88-65 at unbeaten Minnesota yesterday, dropping their second WNBA Commissioner’s Cup matchup while moving to 1-2 in road games this season. Lexi Held led all Phoenix players with 16 points off the bench, while Satou Sabally added 15 points and eight rebounds.

The Mercury are 1-1 in Commissioner’s Cup games, and will play in their third one on Thursday while hosting Golden State (2-4). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm AZ time, and the game will be broadcast on Arizona’s Family Sports.

It’s a Little Drafty: Make sure to check out the NBA Diehard Draft Guide — Led by ALLCITY draft analysts Derek Bodner of PHLY and Will Gottlieb of CHGO, this guide is your one-stop-shop as teams across the league gear up to reshape their rosters

Note the Diehard draft guide is best viewed on desktop or tablet!

Things to be happy about!

Can the D-backs actually win three straight?!