After winning the NCAC Conference Tournament in 2014, the baseball team took a step back last year, finishing the season nine games under .500.
“We ended up short,” said junior pitcher and outfielder Mike Hammel. “We started to lose focus and didn’t finish like we should have.”
Hammel’s words could not ring truer, as DePauw limped to the NCAC tournament, going on a six-game losing streak to finish the regular season.
On top of having a rough year, the Tigers also lost eight seniors to graduation.
“I think the biggest challenge will be losing the experience [the seniors] all brought to the table,” said junior pitcher Nick Horvath. “They all had a lot of experience in the conference tournament and NCAA tournament. With us pushing for both of those things, we are going to miss [them].”
Despite the loss, the Tigers brought in an impressive group of 13 first-years, five of whom are infielders. With the rookies making the jump to the collegiate level, here is a look at some returning Tigers to watch for:
Mike Hammel (Junior, Pitcher, Outfielder): The former Division I transfer from Indiana State helped the Tigers both on the mound and at the plate last season, accounting for four of DePauw’s wins while slugging two home runs, one of which he hit out of Victory Field, the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates Triple A affiliate.
Lucas Italiano (Senior, Outfielder): Perhaps the Tigers' top hitter, Italiano led the team in total bases, hits, home runs, runs scored, stolen bases and on-base percentage last year, while finishing second in RBIs in a breakout season. The outfielder was also one of DePauw’s most consistent players, starting in 36 of the Tiger’s 39 games.
Jack Thompson (Junior, Outfielder): Thompson also turned in an impressive season, hitting .310 with four doubles in 78 plate appearances. The outfielder was also perfect on the basepaths, stealing five bases in five attempts.
Nick Horvath: (Junior, Pitcher): The 6’2 righty proved to be one of DePauw’s most consistent relievers last year, doubling his innings from the 2014 season with 36 IP. He also went 4-2, posting a 3.00 ERA with 29 strikeouts.
Sam Comer (Sophomore, Pitcher): Despite not getting much time on the mound, Comer was still impressive in his nine appearances last season. The sophomore kept a 2.53 ERA over 10.2 innings, striking out five. With the loss of four senior pitchers, Comer is guaranteed to get more innings this season.
Wyatt Spector (Senior, Pitcher): Spector has become a workhorse for the Tigers on the mound, averaging 60 innings over the past two seasons. Having started nine games last season, Spector will be expected to lead DePauw’s staff as the sole senior pitcher.
Connor Einertson: (Senior, First Basemen): Einertson accounted for most of the Tiger’s run production last season, leading the team in home runs (4) and RBIs (26). After posting an impressive .556 slugging percentage with 23 walks, the senior will once again be seen as DePauw’s true power hitter.
Roundup:
The Tigers will test the February weather this weekend, opening up their season against non-conference opponent Anderson University in Westfield, Ind. The teams will square off in a double header on Saturday with games at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., followed by a matchup at noon on Sunday.
With practice six days a week and lifting sessions every Tuesday and Thursday, the Tigers have been working towards regaining the success they found two seasons ago.
“This year, the team is bringing a consistent energy and focus to practice and it will definitely show up this season,” Hammel said.
Horvath agreed.
“The entire team has been getting after it thus far and we are all ready for the season to get underway,” Horvath said. “I think that we should have a very solid year and compete for the conference championship.”