 |
 |
|
Feb. 19, 2008
InfieldersEasing the burden on an inexperienced pitching staff, the RedHawks have an experienced group of infielders to back them up, highlighted by junior Jordan Petraitis, a First-Team All-MAC selection and 2008 captain, and senior Evan Armitage. The duo started 52 games together at the middle infield positions and is dynamic both defensively and at the plate. Among returnees, Petraitis led the team in batting average, at-bats and hits, while ranking second on the team in runs, triples, home runs, slugging percentage and on-base percentage. Petraitis is arguably one of the best hitters in the Mid-American Conference and that was put on display last season with a 27-game hit streak, spanning from March 21 through May 9. Armitage collected a team-best seven three-baggers last season and 19 extra-base hits.
"It's a good feeling when you have players like Petraitis and Armitage leading your infield," Simonds said. "Both are students of the game, they play the game the right way and set a great example for our younger players."
Behind Jeff Carroll at first base for the past two seasons, junior Tommy Nurre has been waiting for his opportunity, and he is the projected starter at first base. With a great summer, including making the all-star team in the Great Lakes Summer League, and a great fall, Nurre is expected to be a RBI producer in the middle of the RedHawk line-up.
Redshirt junior J.D. Mynhier and freshmen Brad Gschwind and John Hornke are battling for a starting spot at the hot corner. Mynhier started 25 games at third base for the RedHawks last season.
Senior Chris Rodriguez and five newcomers are expected to push the starters and challenge for playing time. Freshmen Brad Gschwind, John Hornke, Drew Hormann, and Kyle Weldon all had good fall camps and expect to see playing time during the season. Kevin Sakofs a mid-year transfer from St John's University brings above average speed and will compete for playing time at second base.
|
|
 |
|
|
||
| MuRedHawks.com WEB | ||
