The DePauw men's baseball team got its season started with a 1-2 record after playing three games against Maryville College in Tennessee this past weekend.
"I think overall there were a lot of positives," said Sean Brennan, a freshman pitcher. "Pitching and defense were both very good."
This weekend was the first time the team had the opportunity to play outdoors, a disadvantage for many northern teams because inclement weather pushes them inside during the winter months.
"You obviously don't want to make any excuses," said assistant coach Matt Pustay. "Whether or not that affected the outcome of the game, who knows."
Assistant Coach P.J. Mitchell said that the weather always puts a hop in the team's step. Pustay said that even with the disadvantages, it always feels great to have good weather.
"Once the first pitch is thrown, it is just another game to them," Pustay said.
Junior pitchers Elliot Ross and Andy Manson combined for a four-hit shutout in a 6-0 win for the first game, but Maryville tossed a two-hit shutout for a 3-0 win in the second game.
"Elliot Ross was conference pitcher of the year last year and he picked up right where he left off," Pustay said.
Mitchell said that all the pitchers were on their games and that the defense also played well.
"The offense struggled, but we hit some balls hard. We just didn't have much luck," he said.
On the final game of the weekend, DePauw was held to four hits and Maryville scored both of its runs in the second inning in a 2-0 victory. DePauw's best chance to score came in the fourth inning when sophomore infielder Jason Cohen singled. He moved to second base after sophomore outfielder Zach Galyean was hit by a pitch and moved to first. Junior catcher Sam Swafford singled to left, but Cohen was thrown out at the plate for the third out.
Brennan said the best way to bounce back from the weekend is to play one game at a time.
"We can't let a subpar weekend ruin the way we play," Brennan said. "I don't think it effects our morale at all."
Pustay said that he doesn't think these three games will define the season. The coaches also believe that the freshman will have a chance to shine in the upcoming games and that they'll play a big role in the team's success.
On the road, the team members managed to entertain themselves while they weren't on the field. Whether it was playing a game of "Flip," a game made up by the pitchers, or watching hours of "How I Met Your Mother," the team's favorite show, traveling is one of the perfect opportunities for the players to bond as a team.
"It was one of the most fun weekends, I've had at DePauw," Brennan said.
The team's next game will take place at home against Anderson University on Saturday at noon, weather permitting.