Bucknell University Athletics
Baseball Opens Season this Weekend at No. 7 South Carolina
2/13/2014 9:42:00 AM | Baseball
LEWISBURG, Pa. – The weather in Central Pennsylvania has not been spring-like recently, but that has not prevented the Bucknell baseball team from preparing for this weekend's season-opening series at No. 7 South Carolina. The Bison will return to picturesque Carolina Stadium for the first time since the 2010 NCAA Tournament as they will play a three-game series against the Gamecocks. Originally scheduled to begin Friday, the series will now feature a split doubleheader Saturday (12 p.m. & 4 p.m.) and a single game Sunday (12:30 p.m.) due to the winter weather the eastern portion of the United States endured this week.
Bucknell, which is under the direction of second-year head coach Scott Heather, was picked fourth in the tightly bunched Patriot League Preseason Poll. The Bison received two of the 10 first-place votes that were spread across the top four teams.
The only previous time Bucknell and South Carolina met was in the 2010 NCAA Regionals with the eventual national champion Gamecocks overcoming a 5-1 deficit to pull out a 9-5 victory. The Bison did not trail in the game until current Boston Red Sox player Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Bucknell, which placed fourth in the final Patriot League standings a year ago, will be playing its first ranked opponent since taking on No. 19 Virginia the first weekend of last March.
South Carolina will provide live statistics via GameTracker for all three games as well as a subscription video broadcast of the entire weekend series. Links are available via GamecocksOnline.com.
The Bison are scheduled to play their first seven games of 2014 away from home as they will play two contests against both host Delaware State and Iona next weekend in Dover, Del., before opening their 20-game home schedule March 1-2 with a four-game series against Niagara at Depew Field.
Below is a closer look at the Bison entering the 2014 season:
Bucknell posted a 16-33 record and advanced to the Patriot League Tournament for a fifth time in six years in 2013, but the season could have been much more successful with just one more run here or another out there. Thirteen of the Bison's losses were by one run and 21 were by three or fewer runs. Six of their 10 Patriot League losses were decided by one run. Those numbers bode well for the upcoming season as Bucknell must make just a slight improvement to see a drastic difference in its win total.
“One of the things I was most proud of last year was how we stayed with it and kept competing,” mentioned second-year head coach Scott Heather. “Our offensive numbers weren't as strong as we would like them and we lost a lot of close games. The things we need to be better at — scoring runs and finishing up games from a bullpen standpoint — led to all the close losses.
“We learned we have to have an even tougher mentality in terms of competing. We are a year older in a lot of areas this season and have good young talent. Getting the hits with guys in scoring position is key for us in taking that next step.”
Heather, a 2003 graduate of Arkansas and a former professional pitcher, last year had the benefit of a familiarity with the program, having been Depew's top assistant for eight years. Despite that, there was still an adjustment as he took over the program.
“The second year in everything leads to a better comfort level for both me and the players,” said Heather, who was an assistant on two Bison NCAA Tournament teams. “We saw benefits of that this fall. We weren't trying to implement new things. It was just about being better at the things we want to improve upon.”
After playing just 13 home games last spring, Heather has lined up a challenging home slate that features 20 games at Depew Field, including three Patriot League weekend series and a doubleheader against Penn State. The Bison will also host Niagara in a four-game series in March, St. Bonaventure in a late-April doubleheader and make their annual Spring Break trip to Florida. The campaign will open with a three-game series at recent two-time NCAA champion South Carolina, which is coming off a 43-20 campaign and posted a 31-6 home record.
Bucknell is poised to have a strong 2014 season as three-fourths of its starting rotation returns for a second straight year and a veteran outfield group will provide punch at the plate. The Bison, who are expected to be strong both on the mound and on defense once again, will have three new starters in the infield, though, with the graduation of stalwarts Travis Clark (2B), Robb Scott (SS) and Carter Bumgardner (3B).
PITCHING STAFF: Heather, who spent eight years as Bucknell's pitching coach, and current pitching coach, Jason Neitz, have plenty of talented arms at their disposal in 2014, including returning starting pitchers Dan Weigel, Bryson Hough and Andrew Andreychik. Weigel, a senior, and Hough, a junior, enter their third years as members of the weekend rotation, while sophomore Andreychik moved into the No. 4 starter role midway through last season and excelled. The durable trio combined for nine wins and 130 strikeouts in 205.1 innings in 2013.
“Our frontline starting pitching is as good as anyone's in the league,” remarked Heather. “Our pitching will carry us once again and each of our starters give us the chance to win every time out.”
Weigel, a tall lefty who averages just two walks per nine innings to rank among the program's all-time leaders, led the Bison in wins (6) and ERA (3.01) as a sophomore and was still solid last year as he allowed opponents to hit just .277. He ranked in the top 10 in the Patriot League in innings, starts, strikeouts and ERA.
“Dan had a productive summer in the Northwoods League and has continued to get stronger,” said Heather. “He worked hard in the offseason and is in good position to again be a workhorse for us.”
The right-handed Hough put together a second consecutive strong campaign last spring as he allowed three or fewer earned runs in nine of his 11 starts and struck out 39 in 73.2 innings.
“Bryson has improved in a number of areas, including his velocity and upgrading his secondary pitches,” praised Heather. “I am excited to see him take the next step. He has been a productive pitcher for us the last two years, but I think there is room for even more out of him this season.”
The 2013 Patriot League Rookie of the Year, Andreychik was tied for the team lead with four wins a year ago and was the only Bison hurler to finish above .500. He moved into the starting rotation prior to the start of Patriot League play and finished eighth in the conference with a 3.73 ERA.
“Andrew has continued to be solid,” mentioned Heather about the right-hander that recorded Bucknell's first shutout by a freshman since at least 1979. “In addition to helping us on the mound, he is also looking to contribute in the field this year, perhaps at second base or designated hitter. He swings the bat well and is a good athlete and competitor at the plate.”
With the graduation of Dan Goldstein, there is an opening in the weekend rotation and there are plenty of options. Among the frontrunners is junior lefty Xavier Hammond, who has logged 56.2 innings in 28 appearances his first two seasons, mostly out of the bullpen.
“Xavier is going to have a huge role on our staff and he's a guy that has probably improved the most, both physically and mentally,” said Heather. “He had a great summer for the Allentown Railers in a relief role and he is a candidate to start or relieve for us.”
Sophomore Max Kra, who admirably filled the closer role a year ago, and second-year junior Jonathan Lucas, who logged a 1.93 ERA in four appearances in his first season, are the other main candidates for the final starting spot.
“The starting rotation will be dictated by results and what we think is best for the team moving forward,” noted Heather.
Junior right-hander Tucker Rekucki, who has lowered his arm slot, and senior Tom Hrabchak, a former Bison catcher now in his second year as a full-time pitcher, will look to increase their roles in the bullpen. Heather sees Rekucki as a potential closer candidate, while Hrabchak will fill a setup role in key situations.
Junior Jordan Holtz and sophomores Austin Zimmerman and Dan Keller will also battle for innings out of the bullpen.
Five freshman pitchers will also try to secure roles on the talented staff.
Lefty Mike Castellani will have a major role after a strong preseason, while right-hander Tommy Gambon has a good arm and quality breaking pitch.
Heather noted that right-hander Austin Marcus has plenty of promise due to his velocity touching 90 miles-per-hour. Southpaw Danny Rafferty is a two-way player who can consistently throw his breaking ball for strikes. He will also have the chance to see some time in the outfield.
Walk-on Jack Schoenberger gives another option from the left side out of the bullpen.
CATCHER: Team co-captain Justin Meier is expected to hold down the starting catcher position for a second consecutive year. The senior started 21 of 22 games against Patriot League foes and was fifth on the squad with seven multi-hit outings. More importantly, he had no errors over his final 21 games played.
“Justin looks as comfortable playing the game as he ever has,” praised Heather. “He will be one of our main contributors offensively and he does a nice job behind the plate.”
Sophomore Jon Mayer was solid in 12 starts a year ago, but missed the final month with an injury. He returns healthy this spring and will provide some power at the plate both at the catcher and designated hitter positions.
Binghamton transfer Jake Archey, who sat out last year due to NCAA rules, is eligible this year and will add depth at catcher.
FIRST BASE: Rob Krentzman has been Bucknell's primary starter at first base the last two seasons, but he is expected to move across the diamond to his more natural third base spot. Battling for the starting position will be senior Luke Lombardi and freshman Carter Austin. Lombardi has appeared in 41 games over his first three years, while Austin comes to Bucknell after being picked in the 28th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft by the Cincinnati Reds.
"Luke has plenty of experience and works hard and I expect him to contribute to our success this season," noted Heather.
“I like Carter's potential to drive in runs and hit the ball with authority,” remarked Heather. “He swings from the left side and does a good job of driving the ball to all fields and is an accomplished hitter at a young age.”
SECOND BASE: Second base is one of the most unsettled positions for the Bison. Heather mentioned Andreychik, sophomore Joe Ogren, who spent much of 2013 in the outfield, and freshmen Alex O'Neill and Mark Powell are the ones being evaluated to replace three-year starter Travis Clark.
“Our approach is to get our best nine on the field,” explained Heather. “We have a lot of guys with some versatility that can play different positions. All those guys are very competitive and bring something to the table. I can see us doing a variety of things at second base.”
SHORTSTOP: After serving as the primary backup to the graduated Robb Scott the last two years, junior Greg Wasikowski is poised to move into the regular starting lineup at shortstop.
“Greg had a quality fall, especially defensively, and makes all the plays for us,” praised Heather. “He is ready to step into that role and provide some leadership.”
In addition to battling for playing time at second base, Andreychik, Ogren, O'Neill and Powell will be in the mix to provide depth at shortstop behind Wasikowski.
THIRD BASE: Krentzman hasn't played at third base during his Bison career, but is expected to move back to the position he manned during his high school days. The two-year starter at first base has 54 hits and 33 RBIs over his first two seasons.
“Rob is recovering from a hip injury, but he's going to get a look at third,” commented Heather. “We expect him to make the transition.”
Senior Will Mooney is an excellent athlete who played third base during the fall season and he will receive a chance to win the starting spot. Tall left-handed hitting freshman Sam Clark will also be in the mix.
OUTFIELD: The Bison outfield features a number of familiar names, including the team's lone returning All-Patriot League selection in senior Corey Furman. Furman became a regular member of the lineup for the first time last year and led the squad in hitting (.291). He is a team co-captain along with Meier.
“Corey is a guy who swings the bat really well,” praised Heather. “He played center field and designated hitter for us last year, but I can see him playing any of the outfield positions this season.”
Fellow senior Brett Ashley will have a chance to break into the lineup after mostly serving as a powerful pinch hitter his first three campaigns.
Junior Anthony Gingerelli joined the team for the first time in 2013 and had a breakout year, finishing second on the club with a .284 average. He split time between DH and left field and Heather expects his left-handed bat to be in the lineup.
Heather calls Ogren one of the team's best hitters and expects him in the lineup somewhere, whether it is at second base or the outfield.
Sophomore Ryan Otis was in the mix for the starting center field job last year, but suffered a season-ending injury on the second weekend of the campaign.
“Ryan did a good job this fall as a catalyst for us, fighting to get on base and then creating pressure with his speed and aggressiveness,” remarked Heather about the speedy center fielder. “He, (freshman) Brett Smith and (sophomore) Tommy Pennington give us the most speed in the outfield.”
A three-sport star in high school, Smith was the team's Fall World Series MVP, while Pennington does a solid job of running the bases and putting pressure on opponents with his speed.
“These guys are all competing for playing time. It's fairly open for competition,” said Heather. “We're hoping to give guys some opportunities to develop and grow into roles by the end of spring break and then have our main lineup at that point. Our guys know that is the case and they are all competing for playing time, which has made each day productive for us because they all feel like that have a chance to play and it is up to them how well they do.”
NOTES:
• Bucknell has qualified for the Patriot League Tournament 14 times in the last 18 years.
• Nineteen of Bucknell's 49 games in 2013 were decided by one or two runs.
• Bucknell's starting pitchers averaged 6.1 innings per start in 2013.
• Bucknell has used just four starting pitchers during Patriot League games in two of the last three years.
• Bucknell has won at least 10 Patriot League games in 15 of the last 23 years.
