While steroid-induced power hitters and flame-throwing starters often take the baseball spotlight, America's pastime is based on the little things of the game. Defense, base-running and pitching depth are components that often decide the fate of a team.
During Brian O'Connor's short tenure as Virginia's head baseball coach, fielding and moving runners ahead a base have been staples of his squad. In addition to the experienced starters, a group of young arms has given the team the needed depth to survive a long season.
Last Wednesday, freshman Robert Poutier toed the mound for his first collegiate start against a well-balanced Old Dominion squad. While ODU hammered home eight runs in a victory over Virginia last week, Poutier shut them out in four solid innings of work.
Despite getting in a bases-loaded jam in the first inning of work, Poutier managed to effectively escape the jam without allowing a run.
"You don't often see a freshman pitcher with bases-loaded and no outs and manage to pitch out it," O'Connor said.
While Poutier got the spotlight as a starter Wednesday, a sophomore got national exposure for his critical role as a closer. The National Collegiate Writers Association named sophomore Casey Lambert to the Stopper of the Year watch list. The winner of the award will be announced on June 8, days before the super-regional which Virginia strives to play in this year.
Last year, Lambert got pivotal experience closing games, compiling a 2.54 ERA with eight saves. His performance in his freshman season tied him for the single-season record for most saves at the University. He has started this year with the same confidence he displayed last year, racking up three saves in as many opportunities.
While Wednesday's game was out of hand by the ninth inning, freshman Sean Dolittle pitched the ninth to close the game. He displayed the type of stuff, striking out two of three batters, which should earn him more innings as the year progresses. Dolittle has pitched five innings and struck out eight while compiling a 3.60 ERA on the year.
Last week, freshman Pat McAnaney pitched a strong five innings in his first career start against the same Old Dominion squad. Despite pitching effectively, O'Connor wanted to go in a different direction this week.
"We're looking at some different options for mid-week starters," O'Connor said. "Pat McAnaney pitched well last week, but we did not want to pitch the same guy against the same squad two weeks in a row."
Early season experience hopefully will allow the youngsters to pitch in more important games later in the season.
"They're doing a great job," veteran senior Scott Morgenthaler said. "They may take their lumps at first, but it's a learning experience. They are getting better, which is exciting."
Morgenthaler pitched four innings in relief Wednesday.
While the youngsters battle for limited innings, the competition increases the depth and performance level of the entire pitching staff.
"That versatility and pitching depth will be crucial later in the season," O'Connor said. "Eventually the cream will rise to the top."
Hopefully this weekend the young guns can continue to impress in their upcoming series with Fordham at Davenport Field this weekend.
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