Baseball pushes for ODAC, National Tournament

Despite not being recognized by the American Baseball Coaches Association Poll last week, Virginia Wesleyan’s baseball team sure showed their potential in becoming a Top 20 team. But is it too late to conquer the feat? For most of the players, it is not vital to be on that list. The main thing on their minds is to finish the regular season strong, which consists of five ODAC games, and to put themselves in favorable position for post-season play.

“We’re definitely looking forward to the tourney,” said senior Colin Roberson. “We just need to keep working hard and do our thing. Come tournament time, we pick up our intensity and energy level.”

Speaking of Top 20 teams, the Marlins recently hosted a Division III powerhouse, Methodist College from N.C. With the defense leading the way for the Marlins, they were able to shut down the bats of the opposition and came out on top 4-2. Sophomore pitcher Ricky Allred, who gave up only four hits and two runs in five innings, piloted the Marlins to victory. His record improved to 2-1. Allred was backed by sophomore Erik Nguyen and junior Zach Baker, who combined for four innings pitched only two hits against, no runs allowed, and five strikeouts. Baker recorded yet another save. Look for this impressive pitching to carry over into the post-season and help guide the Marlins to replicate last season’s success.

On the offensive side, Daniel Andrews lead the team by going three for three, finishing with a double and two singles. Senior Brandon Hill added two hits of his own for the Marlins.

As the ODAC tournament is just around the corner, it brings about some unfamiliar scenarios for some of the players, especially for the 15 freshmen on the team. Many of them have never played under such circumstances. However, their talent will be the determining factor for their post-season success, as they have full support from the upperclassmen.

“The freshmen are filling their roles and doing a great job,” said Allred. “They’ve really come a long way since the beginning of the season.”

“It’s tough at first for freshmen, but a lot of them have stepped up like we needed them to,” added Roberson.

With seven games left on the schedule for the Marlins, and five being ODAC games, look for the Marlins to improve on their current conference record (5-5). The season raps up with Randolph-Macon College twice, Eastern Mennonite University, Lynchburg College, and Roanoke College. ODAC tournament play begins on Thursday, April 21.