Spring Break
Column: Baseball team takes well-rounded approach
Niel Schneider / Columnist
Issue date: 3/12/09 Section: Sports
The Eastern baseball team is currently 6-4 on the season, and one of the main reasons for their early success is the production they are getting from the offense.
They are currently averaging more than seven runs a game, including having a season-high 16-run performance against Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Sunday.
In the past two games against Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Indiana State, the Panthers have combined to put up 25 runs, while hitting a total of 15 extra-base hits during the two game span.
While the Panthers certainly began to show their batters' power, they have also remained disciplined at the plate. They currently have an on-base percentage of .410, while tallying 71 runs with 44 walks. As a team, Eastern has a .329 average, while holding opponents to an average of .259. The Panthers have hit 11 home runs, while having a team slugging percentage of .503. They have also shown their discipline at the plate by not striking out on a consistent basis.
The Panthers have only struck out 54 times in 10 games, which comes out to about one hitter striking out every other inning of the game. In comparison, the pitching staff has struck out 73 batters, while only allowing a .368 slugging percentage.
So far, the Panthers have found many ways to put runs on the board, whether it is by stealing bases or simply getting base hits.
Junior pitcher and designated hitter Richie Derbak is currently leading the team with two sacrifices to move runners along. Derbak also leads the team in doubles with four and base hits with 17. Along with Derbak's consistency, senior center fielder Brett Nommensen and senior second baseman Jordan Tokarz have also provided the Panthers with an offensive threat.
With the season only 10 games in, both Nommensen and Tokarz have already stolen two bases on three attempts, while Eastern as a whole has eight steals on the season.
In addition to his steals, Nommensen is leading the team with four home runs, including a two home-run performance against Indiana State Tuesday. Nommensen is also leading the team in total bases taken with 30.
Aside from the individual statistics, the Panthers have done a good job of out-hitting their opponents. On the season, the Panthers have totaled 117 hits, while only allowing 84. They have also tallied 23 doubles, while only giving up 15, which shows they cannot only hit consistently, but can hit with power.
Heading into the rest of the season, the Panthers will look to continue their strong hitting efforts, while also remaining aggressive on the base paths.
Neil Schneider can be reached at 581-7944 or at jnschneider@eiu.edu.
They are currently averaging more than seven runs a game, including having a season-high 16-run performance against Wisconsin-Milwaukee on Sunday.
In the past two games against Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Indiana State, the Panthers have combined to put up 25 runs, while hitting a total of 15 extra-base hits during the two game span.
While the Panthers certainly began to show their batters' power, they have also remained disciplined at the plate. They currently have an on-base percentage of .410, while tallying 71 runs with 44 walks. As a team, Eastern has a .329 average, while holding opponents to an average of .259. The Panthers have hit 11 home runs, while having a team slugging percentage of .503. They have also shown their discipline at the plate by not striking out on a consistent basis.
The Panthers have only struck out 54 times in 10 games, which comes out to about one hitter striking out every other inning of the game. In comparison, the pitching staff has struck out 73 batters, while only allowing a .368 slugging percentage.
So far, the Panthers have found many ways to put runs on the board, whether it is by stealing bases or simply getting base hits.
Junior pitcher and designated hitter Richie Derbak is currently leading the team with two sacrifices to move runners along. Derbak also leads the team in doubles with four and base hits with 17. Along with Derbak's consistency, senior center fielder Brett Nommensen and senior second baseman Jordan Tokarz have also provided the Panthers with an offensive threat.
With the season only 10 games in, both Nommensen and Tokarz have already stolen two bases on three attempts, while Eastern as a whole has eight steals on the season.
In addition to his steals, Nommensen is leading the team with four home runs, including a two home-run performance against Indiana State Tuesday. Nommensen is also leading the team in total bases taken with 30.
Aside from the individual statistics, the Panthers have done a good job of out-hitting their opponents. On the season, the Panthers have totaled 117 hits, while only allowing 84. They have also tallied 23 doubles, while only giving up 15, which shows they cannot only hit consistently, but can hit with power.
Heading into the rest of the season, the Panthers will look to continue their strong hitting efforts, while also remaining aggressive on the base paths.
Neil Schneider can be reached at 581-7944 or at jnschneider@eiu.edu.
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