Pitching key to success on the diamond

With the familiar sound of a ball hitting leather echoing from deep within the heart of Cousens Gym, the hope that springs optimistically every year is brought back to the forefront by the promise of one thing: the return of the baseball season.

After strong pitching led the Jumbos to a NESCAC title last year, the 2003 team kicks off the new season on Friday in Lynchburg, VA, where the focus will again be on the team's strength; pitching.

Unlike the starting nine, who suffered the loss of three starters to graduation last year, the pitching staff has remained largely intact heading into the season. Senior tri-captain Dave Martin (5-1, 0.85 ERA), classmate Jon Lee (7-1, 3.26 ERA) and junior Randy Newsom (6-1, 3.54 ERA) return to lead a staff that had a 3.34 ERA last season.

"Pitching is our strength right now," coach John Casey said. "We have two number ones in Lee and Martin, and Newsom now has to be solid at number three."

The right-handed Martin, whose ERA was second in the nation last year, is a three-year starter. He was an All-NESCAC First Team selection last spring and will provide strong leadership at the top of the rotation. The Arlington native has a career record of 13-5, a 2.41 ERA and has shown great improvement in his three seasons. Last year he gave up only five earned runs in 53 innings pitched before ending the season early with an injury.

Lee, who was named NESCAC Pitcher of the Year in 2001, enters the season with an impressive 20-4 career record and a 2.68 ERA. The righty holds the third-highest career winning percentage (.833) in team history and his 164 strikeouts rank second all-time. In 191.2 innings in his career as a three-year starter, Lee has walked just 44 batters

Newsom developed into a solid number three starter in his second season, showing improved command and nearly doubling his strike outs, despite pitching just 9.2 innings more than the previous season. Newsom also guided the team to a victory over Suffolk in the NCAA's, throwing a complete game six-hitter and notching 13 strikeouts.

The trio will form the core of the rotation, as the team's schedule is based around a three game series, with a Friday afternoon game and a doubleheader on Saturdays. Supporting the starters is a strong, veteran bullpen that looks to continue its dominating form.

Senior tri-captain Brian Shapiro, a three year starter at shortstop, will also perform the closing duties. Currently on a restricted training regime as he comes off a successful basketball season as a co-captain, Shapiro will look to take hold of the career saves record. The Swampscott native is currently tied for the lead with 11, having saved four games last season to go along with a 2-1 record and 3.38 ERA.

"We have to take it slow with Shapiro until his arm comes around," Casey said. "We will try to be rested and ready to go every weekend."

Right-handers senior Mike Byron and junior Dave Frew provide depth in the bullpen. Byron led the team with 11 appearances in relief last season. His 2-2 record and 4.01 ERA complimented Frew's 2-0 record, along with his 4.66 ERA. Frew also provides the team with an option as a spot-starter, adding to the bullpen's value and versatility.

"I like our depth," Casey said. "We're still looking to see who's going to play."

This depth is a luxury many opposing teams do not have. With such a strong, established staff, the Jumbos have the veteran presence to guide the team to victory. The added bonus of a group of talented, rising prospects gives the team flexibility and a solid base to draw from both during the season and in the years to come.

Junior J.R. Urbon is in the mix as a long reliever, and sophomores Jeremy Davis and Jeff Volinski impressed in brief stints last season. Volinksi, who pitched a complete game against Virginia Wesleyan to notch his first collegiate victory, could prove particularly valuable as the only left-handed pitcher among the returning Jumbos.