Bubala went 8.1 innings in two appearances last week, allowing two earned runs and striking out six.
Jackson Bubala (Dartmouth College) has been named Albany Dutchmen Spotlight Player of the Week for Week #5, which lasted from June 29 - July 5.
Bubala, who just wrapped up his sophomore campaign at Dartmouth this past spring, went 8.1 innings last week in a pair of appearances, only giving up two earned runs.
“I’m just happy to have a role on the team,” Bubala said. “I think that it’s really just a product of us playing good baseball and getting us positions to get into our bullpen with a lead, or at least close games.”
And that’s exactly what he did against the Saugerties Stallions on July 4, when he came in relief during the fifth inning with his team trailing.
Although the Dutchmen were never able to catch up to the Stallions, Bubala did all he could by keeping them hitless through 4.1 innings of work.
At Dartmouth, Bubala earned a role in the starting rotation, but moved to the bullpen after he began struggling with his command.
He’s now found a role with the Dutchmen not only as a relief pitcher, but as someone who can go multiple innings out of the bullpen when needed, providing great value to the pitching staff in times of need. He’s gone at least two innings in five of his six appearances.
“He [Head Coach Nick Davey] told me just the other day that he’s comfortable with me coming in when he needs depth innings. I’m definitely comfortable with that as a starter. I think it’s pretty valuable that I have some starting experience.”
While Bubala got off to a slow start, receiving the loss in both of his first two appearances, he has bounced back and has dropped his WHIP, ERA, Opponent Batting Average, Opponent Slugging Percentage and Opponent On Base Percentage since his 2nd loss of the season.
“We have a great defense, we’re eliminating the errors and we’re really solid in the field,” he said. “That just gives me all of the confidence in the world to go out there, pound the zone, and let my guys play for me.”
Bubala also credits his coaching staff in helping him prepare not only physically but mentally before each game, giving him every advantage on the batters he will face.
“Coach Steltz does a great job with the spray chart and has a book on all of these guys,” he said. “That really helps us know if they swing early in the counts, if they like to go opposite field, if they work counts [deep], that definitely helps after we’ve played them a few times.”
