From: Austin
The schedule makers dialed up a winner for the clemmons baseball squad last weekend. After dropping and emotional rubber game versus their rivals, the tigers put a goose egg in the win column by getting swept by Virginia at Doug Kingsmore. While Virginia is a top five team, currently sitting #3 in Baseball America, a program as talented at the tigers shouldn't lose 3 at home to anyone. A 4-3 loss to PC on
Wednesday and a 7-7 record got the natives restless. Coach Leggett wasn't concerned because mighty Duke awaited and an assured 3 game sweep. The upcoming series versus NC State in Raleigh will be a strong indicator of how good this team is. clemmons mirrors their rivals to the south in many ways this year.
1) A strong Friday night starter who can beat anyone on a given night, but question marks in the starting rotation afterwards. Kevin Brady, who is on everyone's draft board, was lights out until injury struck. The UNC series is the targeted return date. If Brady can regain his form, then the rotation can be formidable. David Haselden's outings are hit or miss thus far and no one else has taken the step forward.
2) Many talented bats, but some quality hitters are silent. Jeff Schaus is tearing it up, but Will Lamb and many other big time sticks are non-existent. Both teams have to expect guys like Ritchie Schaffer and Adam Matthews to get it going sometime.
3) Indecision at the leadoff spot. clempson is best when Chris Epps is setting the pace. His lack of consistency has forced Coach Leggett to mirror Coach Tanner's musical leadoff spot. Epps playing to his strengths with the bat and on the basepaths will put pressure on opposing defenses and get his teammates better pitches.
