University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville Baseball Opens 2011 Season at Home vs. Murray State on Friday
02.17.2011 | Baseball
Second-year coach Tom Smith is excited about his Asheville team. The Bulldogs ended the 2010 season strong by winning five of their last seven games and qualifying for the Big South Conference Tournament. Asheville finished the season with a 17-35 overall record and 10-18 mark in the Big South Conference.
"We got a little taste of success at the end of the last season and we want to keep that going," admitted Smith. "I really like senior leadership we have with this club. We believe we've brought in some talented younger players who will be ready to make an impact right away.
"We know we're going to better than last year," added Smith. "How much better remains to be seen. I know our guys can't wait to play a game."
Asheville will face a stern test at home this weekend with Murray State. The Racers went 28-28-1 a year ago and went 12-8-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference.
"Murray State has a good ballclub," declared Smith. "They bring back a lot of talented players from a year ago. This will be a good series for us to open up with."
Asheville plans to start junior right-hander Ryan Dull on Friday. Dull earned Big South All-Conference honors in 2010 as he went 6-4 with a 4.40 ERA. He had one save with three complete games and a shutout.
"It's great to have an all-conference pitcher back," stated Smith. "Ryan did a great job for us last year as a weekend starter and he'll be there for us this season. We're looking for another great season from Ryan."
Sophomore Robert McIntosh is the scheduled starter on Saturday. The right-hander was used as Asheville's closer last year as he went 1-1 with three saves and a 7.50 ERA.
"Robert is probably our hardest thrower, and we want him for a few more innings on the mound instead of just being a closer," said Smith.
Freshman right-hander Elliot Criss is scheduled to take the mound on Sunday. Criss comes to Asheville via Spring-Ford HS in Royersford, Pa.
"We've been so impressed with Elliot in the fall and in scrimmages as he just throws strikes," said Smith.
The Bulldogs return seven position players who started last season. McIntosh, when he's not pitching, will be at first base. He hit .333 last season with 12 doubles and 25 RBI. Senior Catlin Carter started at shortstop as he hit .233 with seven doubles and 24 RBI. Junior Cody Buch was the starter at third base and he finished at .250 with 10 doubles, two home runs and 21 RBI.
Senior Danny Baatz started in center field in 2010 and finished the year with a .300 average, four home runs and 32 RBI. Senior Beau Zinman played in left field and hit .236 with three home runs and 22 RBI. Sophomore Ian Graham did a great job as a freshman behind the plate. He hit .306 with 24 RBI. Senior Mike Vaughn could play either at first base or as a designated hitter. Vaughn was second on the club in homers with five and third in RBI with 27.
"What I like about this team is the depth we have," commented Smith. "We're going to have people pushing other players to play. That kind of competition only makes your team better."
Smith truly believes the Bulldogs can be much better this year.
"Our pitchers need to throw strikes, and if we can play defense like we did in the first of the year last season then we have a chance to have a pretty good season," stated Smith. "Obviously we have to stay away from injuries but overall I like the make-up of this team and their work ethic."
