Fluidity and perfection have been two themes associated with DePauw baseball, a team that stands at 23-3 after finishing spring break week with eleven wins, starting with a four game sweep of conference foe Wittenberg University.
"I don't think there is a limit to where we can go right now," said head coach Jake Martin. "Competing at a high level in conference is most important. We'll let the national rankings take care of themselves."
The Tigers have stacked up against some of America's best competition and have jumped to 14th in national rankings. DePauw won three straight contests by a combined ten runs in Georgia against LaGrange College, Oglethorpe University and nationally-ranked Piedmont College from March 27 to March 29.
"Our attitude is better. We never feel like a lead is too much," said junior Jason Cohen. "We expect to win every game no matter who we are playing. We haven't had that in the three years I've been here."
Piedmont entered ranked sixth in the nation, yet the challenge didn't seem to affect the Tigers who defeated the Lions 13-6, a victory that included an explosive six-run first inning.
The Tigers picked up right where they left off down South, sweeping Denison in four games, which improved their conference record to an outstanding 8-0.
The spring break stand was notably marked by an ability to use a variety of players to achieve wins.
"That's the strength of the team this season: we are deep," Cohen said. "As a bullpen everyone has proven themselves. As a team, everyone can do the job."
After starting out the year with a .432 batting average, a back injury has kept sophomore shortstop Zach Starr out of the lineup, but sophomore J.B. McCallum has brilliantly filled the gap at both the position and at the plate.
After slow starts early, Cohen and senior Rob McPike have provided the stability in the power department for a formidable Tiger lineup.
Cohen, the designated hitter, went seven for thirteen in four games against Denison. Cohen's clutch performance included producing the only two runs in the opening 2-1 DePauw victory.
"It helps when everyone is going and doing what we're supposed to do," Cohen said. "I'm seeing the ball well, and I'm hitting the ball hard right now."
With an offense that ranks in the top 20 of Div. III, the Tigers pitching rotation has been a force behind sophomore Michael Chiaro and seniors Andy Manson and Elliot Ross. These starters combined have a 3.47 ERA.
To make matters worse for opposing batters, senior Hobs Donovan has entered the rotation healthy after recovering shoulder surgery during the off-season. Over two starts, Donovan threw for 12 total innings with 12 strikeouts while only allowing one earned run.
"As Hobs has built back from his injury he has been lights out," said Coach Martin. "We just need him to build his pitch count up to move him to a new spot in the rotation."
The Tigers currently have an eleven-game win streak with a chance to eclipse the single season win mark of 35 games. Its success is a surprise to some experts.
"The national rankings will take care of themselves," Martin reiterated. "It was a jab at us to put us fourth [in the NCAC preseason rankings], but we knew we had depth, great starting pitching and few holes. Our focus is on the conference opponents."
DePauw hopes to remain undefeated in conference against Ohio Wesleyan University this weekend. They play two double headers against the Battling Bishops away on Friday and Saturday.
