UNCW baseball team enjoys success
Chris Kronmueller
Issue date: 3/23/06 Section: Seahawk Sports
There were expectations that the Seahawk pitching staff would go through some growing pains in the beginning of the season, but after one-third of the season, the pains are still present.
The Seahawks have already used seven different starters and the only pitcher that has started in every weekend series is Thomas Benton. They used only 10 different starting pitchers all of last season and had two that went to the mound every weekend.
"It's nice to be in the situation we were in last year, but this year we are having to try to determine who is better suited to be starters or are some of those guys better suited to come out of the bullpen," said head coach Mark Scalf.
The fluidity of the rotation is also by design, not a lack of faith in the player's abilities.
"We're going to see the rotation that gives us the best chance to win," said assistant coach Scott Jackson.
The constant changing of the rotation also gives the coaches a better understanding of what players fit into what roles for the team. One of the outcomes of this process was moving Allen Flood from the starting rotation; allowing the team to add some depth in the bullpen and to better suit his style.
"Allen's arm feels better the more he is able to throw less, more frequently. It allows him to stay aggressive," Jackson said.
This has given sophomore Brett Braxton and freshman Brad Holt an opportunity to crack the starting rotation where both have shown signs of success with sub-2.00 ERA's and a combined 5-1 record.
Despite the clubs early success, the coaches know that they still have a lot of work to do with their staff.
"Can we be better, absolutely; we can be a whole lot better. We have a lot of talent on our pitching staff," Jackson said. "(We have been) solid for the most part (but) we've had our moments. We tend to lose focus at times."
The lack of focus, both on the mound and in the field, has resulted in several big-run innings that have allowed some of their opponents back in a game.
"You have to come in with the mentality that the game is tied," Scalf said, "We trying to create the mentality that you have to get this hitter. That is going to be their job regardless of the situation."
"You have got to control your poise, concentration and mental toughness," added Jackson, "I think we have a better understanding that those things are extremely important. Let us hope those mistakes are behind us."
Although some of the statistics may reflect tell another story, Jackson is still pleased with the performance of the staff up to this point.
"We are continuing to evaluate," Jackson said, "I have been very pleased with our guys, especially our younger guys."
The Seahawks will continue to modify the rotation this weekend as they play host to Savannah State for a three-game set. It will be the first-ever meeting between the Tigers and the Seahawks.
The Seahawks have already used seven different starters and the only pitcher that has started in every weekend series is Thomas Benton. They used only 10 different starting pitchers all of last season and had two that went to the mound every weekend.
"It's nice to be in the situation we were in last year, but this year we are having to try to determine who is better suited to be starters or are some of those guys better suited to come out of the bullpen," said head coach Mark Scalf.
The fluidity of the rotation is also by design, not a lack of faith in the player's abilities.
"We're going to see the rotation that gives us the best chance to win," said assistant coach Scott Jackson.
The constant changing of the rotation also gives the coaches a better understanding of what players fit into what roles for the team. One of the outcomes of this process was moving Allen Flood from the starting rotation; allowing the team to add some depth in the bullpen and to better suit his style.
"Allen's arm feels better the more he is able to throw less, more frequently. It allows him to stay aggressive," Jackson said.
This has given sophomore Brett Braxton and freshman Brad Holt an opportunity to crack the starting rotation where both have shown signs of success with sub-2.00 ERA's and a combined 5-1 record.
Despite the clubs early success, the coaches know that they still have a lot of work to do with their staff.
"Can we be better, absolutely; we can be a whole lot better. We have a lot of talent on our pitching staff," Jackson said. "(We have been) solid for the most part (but) we've had our moments. We tend to lose focus at times."
The lack of focus, both on the mound and in the field, has resulted in several big-run innings that have allowed some of their opponents back in a game.
"You have to come in with the mentality that the game is tied," Scalf said, "We trying to create the mentality that you have to get this hitter. That is going to be their job regardless of the situation."
"You have got to control your poise, concentration and mental toughness," added Jackson, "I think we have a better understanding that those things are extremely important. Let us hope those mistakes are behind us."
Although some of the statistics may reflect tell another story, Jackson is still pleased with the performance of the staff up to this point.
"We are continuing to evaluate," Jackson said, "I have been very pleased with our guys, especially our younger guys."
The Seahawks will continue to modify the rotation this weekend as they play host to Savannah State for a three-game set. It will be the first-ever meeting between the Tigers and the Seahawks.