ALBANY, N.Y.- In the penultimate week of the 2018 season, which included the All-Star break and a doubleheader rainout, Cole McNamee (Wake Forest) led the Dutchmen offensively to earn Week seven Spotlight Player of the Week honors.
McNamee played in all three games over the seven-day span for the Dutchmen, and contributed two multi-hit games, including an extra base hit in both of those contests.
Overall, McNamee was 4-for-10 (.400) with two runs scored, two RBI, and a walk.
On July 19th, McNamee hit a lead-off double in the second, which served as the catalyst for the Dutchmen’s two-run inning, which gave them the least that they ultimately did not relinquish.
Two days later at home against Glens Falls, McNamee hit an RBI triple over the head of the center fielder and later scored to give the Dutchmen a 2-1 lead in the first inning. He also had an RBI single in the sixth inning. Albany went on to win the game on a walk-off single in the tenth inning.
McNamee was just happy to help the team win. “Winning is the main goal, beyond the individual success. But being able to contribute is always something that makes it a little sweeter,” McNamee said.
Head Coach Nick Davey was pleased to see McNamee step up in crunch time for the team. “Cole got hot with the bat this week for us, hopefully he can continue to do that down the stretch because every game from here on out means something,” Davey said.
Cole has refined his approach at the plate, which has been a contributor to the success he has found. “At the plate, I really just wanted to simplify things and not try to do too much,” McNamee said. “Trying to be a tough out and making the pitchers feel uncomfortable as possible when I am at the plate is another thing.”
On the season, the Wake Forest product is hitting .270 (20-for-74) with 11 RBI, eight runs, and a home run. The two-way player has also appeared in five games on the mound and has two saves and 11 strikeouts over six and two thirds innings, all in relief.
Heading into the final week of the regular season, the Dutchmen are currently second in the East Division and are one game ahead of the Saugerties Stallions. The top two seeds in each division advance to the postseason, as well as the third seed of the division that has the team with the best overall record.
McNamee has faith in the team to find success the rest of the way. “We never feel like we are out of a game. We just go out and have fun and are constantly pushing each other. The energy is good on the field and in early work before the games where we are constantly competing and working.”
“For us to thrive this week, a kid like Cole stepping up is what it is going to take,” Coach Davey said.
The goal for the team is nothing short of a championship, according to McNamee. “For the team it’s obviously to make a run deep in the playoffs and win a championship.” At the same time, Cole has viewed the summer as a step in the process to be a bigger part of the Demon Deacons next season. “I am taking everything from the summer and all the coaches and just becoming a better ball player and a better person. I look forward to finishing this season strong and going back to school a better player to help my team.”
