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Baseball
Current Season Preview
last updated
12/15/2008
2009
Golden Bears returns several
starters, will look to defend PSAC title
It is hard to believe that the
Kutztown University baseball team could be categorized as a surprise
champion, given the success of the program over the last 10 years.
However, the 2008 Golden Bears
had lost several starters from 2007 and started 4-6 in the
Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference East. At that point, no one
would have expected another championship run from KU in 2008, but
that is exactly what happened.
KU rallied to win seven of its final 10
divisional games to clinch a berth to the playoffs. After falling to the
losers bracket in the PSAC tournament, KU battled back and eventually
defeated West Chester twice to win its third PSAC title in four years.
The Golden Bears needed the automatic
qualifying berth that comes with the PSAC title to make their
eighth-straight North Atlantic Regional tournament appearance.
Head coach Chris Blum expects to
compete for another title in 2009, minus the surprise.
With the starting lineup returning mostly
intact, an ace pitcher and a group of talented freshmen, KU plans to be in
contention from the get-go for the PSAC title — and more.
"We’re not sneaking up on anyone this
year," he said. "We expect to be competing for a championship this season."
Left fielder Chad Lightcap returns
for his senior season after hitting a team-best .366 with 18 doubles, a
triple, six homers, 40 RBIs and 47 runs scored in 2008. The American
Baseball Coaches Association North Atlantic All-Region second team player
powered the Golden Bears late in the season, helping the team finish second
in the PSAC East with a record of 11-9. Overall, KU was 31-26.
"It’s going to be great to have Chad
back," Blum said. "He’s worked his tail off. I’m hoping we can give him a
memorable final season like we did with our seniors last year."
KU also returns big hitters in sophomore
James Quigley and junior Mike Kacelowicz. Quigley batted .345,
with 14 doubles, 18 RBIs and 20 runs scored, starting in 35 games.
Kacelowicz, who started in 53 of KU’s 57 contests at second base, hit .305
with a school record 19 doubles. He also had two triples, a homer, 20 RBIs
and 38 runs scored.
Lightcap, Quigley and Kacelowicz led the
offensive charge late in the season last year, but junior pitcher Darin
Gorski was a major reason the Golden Bears won seven of their last 10
PSAC East games.
Gorski, who finished 8-4 in 12 starts
with a 2.43 ERA in 81.1 innings, went 5-0 in his final five PSAC East
starts. He had a 1.03 ERA in those five wins, striking out 34 and limiting
the opposition to 19 hits.
As an All-PSAC East and all-region first
teamer, Gorski will lead a youthful staff into the 2009 season.
Pitchers Mike Bucklin, Trent
Mertz, Steve Craig and Ryan Cassidy will look to move into
the starting rotation this season. Bucklin was 2-0 in two starts and 12
appearances, Mertz was 1-0 with two saves and a 1.80 ERA in 18 appearances,
and Cassidy was 2-2 in two starts with a 3.76 ERA.
Junior Kevin Morganti, who was
injured for the last two years, will add valuable experience to the pitching
staff. Junior college transfer Adam Maini (jr. Macungie/Emmaus) and
freshman Matt Patterson (fr. Lebanon/Cedar Crest) are expected to
make immediate contributions to the pitching staff.
Anthony Fegely,
Jordan Smith and Jason Herr also will pitch out of the bullpen
for the Golden Bears.
The young pitchers will have the benefit
of third-year starting catcher Matt Kulbacki behind the plate for the
Golden Bears.
Kulbacki, who batted .276 with a
team-best seven homers, will be backed up by senior Dom Fantanarosa.
The Golden Bears’ starting infield all
returns, with Jared Frey at first base, Kacelowicz at second, Mark
Renda and Brett Wigder at shortstop and Quigley at third.
Incoming freshman Shayne Houck (fr.
Barto/Boyertown), a potent hitter, will split time with Quigley at third
base. Houck and Quigley should serve as the designated hitter when the other
is at third base.
Sophomore Michael Dugan, who
batted .290 with 19 RBIs, will vie for time at first base and in the
outfield, while Cody Montz (fr. Schuylkill Haven/Schuylkill Haven)
will add depth to the middle infield.
Freshman Johann Knee (fr.
Gaithersburg, Md./Riverdale Baptist) will serve as a utility player for
the Golden Bears.
In the outfield, Corey Buletza and
Jeff Kistle will join Lightcap. All are expected to see quality time
in the outfield for the Golden Bears. Buletza batted .284 with 23 RBIs and
30 runs scored. He started 46 games at the three outfield positions last
year and will take over full time in center field. Kistle, a right fielder,
had 24 runs scored and 11 RBIs. Looking to add left-handed power
and vie for time in the outfield is Brad Stoudt (fr. Mertztown/Brandywine
Heights).
KU’s season opens Feb. 7 at Barton.
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