Flagler baseball team off to strong start

By Mari Pothier | gargoyle@flagler.edu
Photo by Dyann Busse

Consistent pitching and timely hitting are two major factors contributing to the success of the Flagler College baseball team.

The Saints took one out of three in their conference series against Montevallo bringing their overall record to 14-8 and 6-3 against Peach Belt Conference teams.

Head coach David Barnett said the team is off to a good start but knows there are a lot of series left in the season.

Contributing to the team’s success this season is their ability to hit the ball and drive in runs. Currently, the team’s batting average is 306.

“We’re hoping that we continue to be consistent offensively,” Barnett said.

Pitching has also been solid for the Saints with starter, Jonathan Armold, along with freshmen Danny Brown and Jack Charleston. The team’s current overall ERA is 3.51.

“Our pitching depth is better than it was last year,” Barnett said. “We’ve got more guys that can come in.”

Brown has excelled at being both a short and middle reliever with an ERA of 1.05 and 25 strikeouts.

“He doesn’t give up a lot of hits,” Barnett said. “He strikes people out when he needs to.”

Barnett said the team also has great chemistry and leadership from many of their four year players including Will Percy, Tyler Foti, Nate Fudala, Charlie Stewart, John Sgromolo, Cade Smith and Armold.

Foti showed his leadership, catching all 24 innings in the Saints double header against Urbana and No. 10 (Collegiate Baseball Top 25) Le Moyne College, March 4 in Savannah, Ga. Flagler won both games.

“He was a workhorse behind the plate,” Barnett said.

The team is still looking towards its goal of making the conference tournament and Barnett has confidence in his team’s ability.

“I hope what separates our team in the end is the maturity and the experience because a lot of these guys have been around,” Barnett said. “So it’s not like it’s a young team that can’t handle pressure well.”

The Saints next series is at North Georgia on March 16 and 17.