The Communique

Issue date: 3/29/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Natalie Niemeyer Sophomore Kellen Vance starts a rally for the Eagles in their home opener on March 22. The Eagles defeated the Ko-Hawks 9-0.

In sports the regular season is often filled with adversity and many other obstacles. The Kirkwood Community College baseball team has overcome these obstacles early and now can look forward to a season filled with great times, coming together, growing and improving as a team.

Although the 2007 Eagles started the season at .500, they are now 11-6 overall and have a seven game winning streak going, with help from two consecutive sweeps of Iowa Lakes.

The Eagles spent spring break on a 2-6 road trip that included visits to Oklahoma and Arkansas. However according to Head Baseball Coach John Lewis, the spring trip was rough, "Because we played some tough teams on that road trip." Lewis added that it was rough also because it was the first time this season the Eagles played outdoors.

Lewis stated that one of the aspects he likes about this years team is, "the team chemistry. Offense, defense and pitching is really starting to come together." Lewis added though there are improvements to be made, "We need to be more consistent and cut down on our strike outs and walks. We are giving away too many free passes."

The Eagles have a strong returning group of sophomores that include outfielder Jerrold Martjin, third baseman Brian Murtha and second baseman Matt Davis. Those three provided a lot of firepower for the Eagles. All three had batting averages over 300 and a combined 88 RBIs. Returning sophomores on the pitching staff include Nick King, Dustin Leo, Kyle McCusker, Derek Ott and Greg Sieck. These pitchers return from a staff that last year had a team ERA of 3.87 and combined strike out total of 319.

The challenge for this team is repeating last year's 40-15 record and replacing several key players including University of Kentucky recruit Tyler Howe. Lewis stated that this year's team has a "great group of returnees with some good transfers it provides us with good leadership."

So what can fans, students and staff expect from this year's team? According to Lewis, " If they come to watch us they can expect hard-nosed kids that love to play the game and that are competitive. They are here to represent Kirkwood."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools