Nick Jewett (Trinity U.) takes a swing for the 2014 Dutchmen.
Eric Mueller, UAlbany- The incoming Dutchmen outfielder had a big day Sunday for the Great Danes, ending with a extra-inning go-ahead triple. In a doubleheader with Maine, Mueller doubled in the opener, a 4-3 win for Maine. In the nightcap, Mueller hit a first-inning two-run double before his late-game heroics. In the top of the tenth, Mueller drilled a triple down the left field line, clearing the bases and putting UAlbany up 8-5. He would also score to account for the final run in a 9-5 win. In the second game, Mueller went 2-for-5 with five runs batted in and another run scored.
Nick Jewett, Trinity U.- Jewett, a Dutchmen infielder in 2014, had a pair of stellar games in the final full week of March. The first baseman went 2-for-2 on Tuesday, scoring three runs and driving in four. The four RBIs were courtesy of a second-inning grand slam in a game the Tigers would win 19-4. He would also double and score in the fifth inning. He then went 4-for-4 on Saturday in a 13-4 win over Southwestern. He doubled twice, including a two-run double in the third inning. In 18 games played, Jewett has hit .365 with 15 runs batted in.
Drew Tolson, Baylor- Tolson, the 2014 Dutchmen Pitcher of the Year, earned his first victory of 2015 in conference play, as the righty tossed a gem in Baylor’s 7-2 victory over Oklahoma on Saturday. After allowing a pair of runs in the first inning, Tolson allowed just one more hit over the next eight innings. He struck out seven in the complete game win, and only allowed two base runners after the first inning. He fired 99 pitches, 66 of which were strikes. The Saturday win clinched the series for the Bears over the Sooners.
Spencer Hotaling, Susquehanna- The 2014 Dutchmen right-hander started twice last week, and was phenomenal in both of his outings. He started his week with a five-inning appearance, picking up the win over Juniata. He allowed just one run on two hits, while striking out three. Hotaling followed that with a complete game two-hit shutout in a 4-0 win over USMMA. In the Sunday victory, Hotaling struck out seven hitters, and faced just four more hitters than the minimum. Hotaling is currently 3-1 in five starts and has struck out 26 hitters in 30 innings.
Mike Kaelin, Buffalo- The dominating Buffalo reliever, who pitched in Albany in 2014, tossed two more stellar relief outings for Buffalo. Kaelin faced 12 hitters, and retired them all. Seven of the outs were by strikeout, and Kaelin’s two perfect innings against Ball State led to a save for the righty. Kaelin has been the top pitcher for Buffalo this season, recording a 1.45 ERA, lowest among pitchers with at least two innings pitched. He has fanned 29 hitters over 18.2 innings, a team high. Opposing hitters are batting just over .100 (.102) against the powerful Kaelin.
Matt Dacey, Richmond- The power-hitting Dacey, who represented the Dutchmen in 2013, clubbed three home runs last week, leading the Spiders to a 4-0 record and a sweep of Fordham. After driving in a run in a midweek win over William and Mary, Dacey hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning of a 15-1 win on Friday. Saturday proved to be even better for Dacey, as he hit a pair of home runs. His first was a solo shot in the third inning, which was topped by a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth. He also added an RBI double in the seventh. The 2013 PGCBL Home Run Derby champion is among the top 50 nationally in both home runs (6) and slugging percentage (.650)
Anthony Marks, Coastal Carolina- Marks continued his stellar play for the Chanticleers, hitting .389 with three runs scored. Marks drove in a run via walk in Coastal’s upset victory over South Carolina. He added three runs scored in the opening win over Winthrop, and went 3-for-5 in the series clincher. Marks leads the Chanticleers in batting average, runs scored, hits, and stolen bases. Coastal Carolina jumped into the national polls on Monday, and are ranked 23rd in the nation by Baseball America.
Trevor Lacosse, Bryant- Lacosse, a 2012 Dutchmen alumni, pitched twice this week for the Bulldogs, and earned a save for his work on Sunday. He worked two scoreless innings of relief in a 7-6 rally over UMass Lowell, allowing just two base runners. He also worked a scoreless ninth in Bryant’s 3-0 win over Hartford. Lacosse had shown strikeout ability for the Bulldogs, as he has struck out 23 hitters in 20 innings, the second-best ratio on the roster. He has made six appearances, including three starts.
