The No. 18 Arizona baseball team opened the season in style after sweeping the North Dakota State Bison in three games during the weekend.

Although most of the Wildcats had a stellar weekend, junior right-hander Kyle Simon’s outing on Saturday made him the star. His career-high 13 strikeouts over 7.2 innings on the mound had him named one of three Louisville Slugger National Players of the Week.

The Arizona Daily Wildcat talked to Simon after his solid performance and discussed the team so far, his future plans and how to Dougie.

Daily Wildcat: What’s the emotion been like in the clubhouse after the weekend sweep?

Kyle Simon: We’ve been going at it pretty hard this year so far, and to get the sweep for the first series was nice and the dominant pitching was great. Everyone’s really excited to go for next weekend.

What’s it going to take to win at Long Beach State this weekend?

With them last year, we lost both games we played. But really with any team we play, we have to play them to the best of our abilities. It doesn’t really matter the opponent.

Let’s talk a little about your future. Would your eventual goal be the majors?

The plan is to leave (after) this year and I’m going to start my minor league career.

If you could play for any professional club, where would it be?

Growing up in SoCal and everything, the Angels are huge. My dad’s a huge Angels fan, but really whoever takes me, and it’s the right spot in the right situation. I’ll travel to anywhere in the country.

Is there a Major League pitcher that you originally modeled your style after, or maybe someone you still look to for some tips?

I would say pitchers like Derek Lowe or Brandon Webb. Movement and sinker-slider type guys.

If you weren’t playing baseball right now, what would you be doing?

Well my major’s psychology, so probably like a therapist or something, or a professional ping-pong player.

Who’s winning the World Series this year?

With the (pitching) staff that the Phillies have, I could see them only losing about three games this year.

What’s your favorite sports movie of all time?

I just watched “”A League of Their Own”” last night, I really like how it shows that baseball is loved as an American sport.

Your go-to restaurant in Tucson?

I’d probably go with Sauce; I love chicken and pasta and stuff like that.

Food you couldn’t live without?

I’m a big breakfast guy. I’ve got a lot of oatmeal, a lot of cereal. I’m also huge on Skittles; the crazy colors in the orange pack are the best things in the world.

Finally, can you teach me how to Dougie?

Being 6′ 5″” and maybe the most awkward guy you’d meet, I cannot Dougie but I could probably learn the ropes. A few guys on the team know how to, so I could probably learn a little bit.