Spring Break
Pirates bring out the broom against Monmouth
Hart Holloman
Issue date: 2/24/09 Section: Sports
|
Senior left fielder Stephen Batts led the assault as he collected nine hits, scored six runs, knocked in three runs and even stole a base in each game--not to mention his flawless defense. The Wilmington native was honored by Conference USA for his outstanding weekend with the Hitter-of-the-Week award.
"It feels great," said Batts about the opening weekend. "It's a good start. I'm seeing the ball pretty well, but there's some luck involved. Just have to keep it going and keep barreling balls out there."
But by no means was this weekend a one-man show. Other Pirates got in on the fun as well. Junior Kyle Roller registered five hits in 10 at bats with a home run and a triple, as well as leading the team with six RBI. Senior Drew Schieber also went yard, and though he struggled at the plate with only one hit for the series, senior Trent Ashcraft scored all three times he reached base.
The pitching staff also showed why they are one of the most highly rated groups in the country.
On Friday, starter Seth Maness showed why he has been popping up on preseason All-American lists all over the country as he thoroughly dominated the Hawks line-up for seven innings. He scattered five hits and his only mistake came when he gave up a lead-off home run to Monmouth first baseman Paul Battigliero in the second inning. From then on, he was lights out, recording six strikeouts and no walks to get the opening day win.
And if that wasn't enough, Chris Heston was equally impressive in his first start as a Pirate Saturday night. The junior transfer from Palm Bay, Fla. surrendered only two hits while letting one run across and struck out nine batters in the process.
Sunday starter Mike Anderson made his first start since the 2007 season after sitting out last year due to Tommy John surgery. Though he struggled a bit early, he settled in nicely and scattered six hits over 5.1 innings and let two runs across as he registered the no decision. Sophomore Sthil Sowers, usually the team's weekday starter, came on in relief for Anderson to record the win for a solid 1.2 innings of work out of the bullpen.
And that's where the Pirates looked the strongest all weekend. The ECU bullpen did not allow an earned run the entire weekend. Senior Bailey Daniels looked especially impressive, while not allowing a single base runner in his two innings of work over the weekend.
Be the first to comment on this story