It didn’t take long for Ryan Peterson to get into the swing of things at the Pac-10 level.

The Liberty graduate, and Washington State University baseball player, got a hit in his first collegiate at-bat last year. He came out to pinch hit against Creighton Feb. 23 and shot a single into the gap.

“That was awesome,” Peterson said. “I was looking for a good pitch right away, I got it and I was able to get the barrel out in front.”

Peterson, now a sophomore at WSU, has started nine games, while dealing with the challenge of occasionally pinch hitting. Preparation is difficult for pinch hitters because they’re never sure when they’ll be in the game

“It’s tough staying focused throughout the game and keeping your head in it,” Peterson said.

When he’s at the plate, Peterson tries to make the most of it with an aggressive approach.

“I try to do the little things right as best I can,” he said. “I like to be aggressive and look for fastballs early for the most part.”

Peterson cited the coaching, the facilities, and Pullman’s feel as factors in his decision to commit to the Cougars his junior year of high school.