February 21, 2006
USI baseball open year on the road
Eagles to play three-game series at West Georgia
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Southern Indiana baseball team opens the 2006 campaign on the road when it travels to the University of West Georgia for a three-game series Saturday and Sunday. The first pitch for Saturday's doubleheader and Sunday's single game is noon (CST).
Head Coach Mike Goedde starts the 2006 campaign with 14 returning players – six position players and eight pitchers. Of the six position players, four were starters at the end of last year.
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Adam Summers |
While returning few experienced position players, the Screaming Eagles all-time winningest coach – Goedde begins the season with a record of 330-296 (.527) in 12 years – has a wealth of pitching experience. The eight hurlers combined for 18 of USI's 26 wins in 2005.
"Our coaching staff is excited to work with this group in 2006," said Goedde. "(The coaching staff) knows the lack of experience is evident, but we feel the physical ability of this young group is as good as we have ever had.
"The squad will have to learn a lot about itself in a short time with only five non-conference games prior to initiating the drive toward a GLVC championship," continued Goedde. "We will have two seniors in our everyday line-up which could be combined with as many as three freshmen, three sophomores, and a junior."
Junior right-hander
Adam Summers was USI's top pitcher a year ago, posting a career-best 7-2 record. Summers also was second on the team with a 3.53 ERA after pitching a team-high 79 innings. He struck out 36 opposing hitters in his 18 appearances.
Summers was followed in the win column by junior right-hander
Adam Vetter. Vetter posted a career-best 5-4 record with a 5.24 ERA in 10 appearances and 44.2 innings of work. He also was fourth on the team with 24 strikeouts.
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Nathan Arnold |
USI's top reliever in the bullpen a year ago was senior lefthander
Nathan Arnold. Arnold led the team with five saves in 18 appearances and had a 3.68 ERA in 14.2 innings of relief. He is expected to move into the starting rotation this year.
Junior outfielder
Hunter Slade is USI's top returning hitter and only starting outfielder. Slade hit .284 with 26 RBIs, 12 doubles, and 19 runs scored in 52 games as a sophomore. He was even better during GLVC action, batting .301 with 21 RBIs in 37 games.
The Eagles are scheduled to open the 2006 home schedule at the USI Baseball Field March 1 when they host Oakland City University.
Click here for the complete 2006 season outlook
Ray Simmons, USI Sports Information
