The Rocket

Issue date: 3/23/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Submitted Photo Derek Blyzwick [Click to enlarge]

Legendary former Pittsburgh Pirates manager Chuck Tanner once said, "What you have to remember is that baseball isn't a week or a month but a season - and a season is a long time."

Along with the grind of a whole season comes fatigue among all baseball players, including the pitching staff. But the strain on the hurlers is loosened if one man can be called upon to go the distance each time he takes the mound. For the 2007 Rock baseball team, that man is senior co-captain Derek Blyzwick.

Blyzwick, a right-hander from Moon Township, Pa., rebounded in 2006 from injury-plagued freshman and sophomore years. In 2006, Blyzwick went 4-2 with six complete games and a 2.86 ERA in 56.2 innings of work. Along with those strong numbers, Blyzwick tallied 56 strikeouts and 21 walks as he allowed 59 hits and allowed only one homerun.

So far in 2007, Blyzwick has built upon last year's form. In three games this season, Blyzwick has gone 2-0 and has posted a 0.50 ERA, allowing only one earned run to the opposition. Blyzwick was also named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference "Pitcher of the Week" for his recent performance.

Blyzwick has also pitched through the sixth inning in all three of his outings this season. He said that effective training is the key to longevity in a game. He also said that the importance of leg training is an invaluable tool and that it is important for both the pitcher's wind up and push off before delivering the ball to home plate.

One training activity in which Blyzwick said he likes to participate is running.

"It loosens the body as much as possible," Blyzwick said.

Through the course of a ballgame, Blyzwick said that a starting pitcher gets into a groove, but that the first couple of innings are always difficult to endure.

"In the beginning, it seems hard," Blyzwick said. "You feel like you're getting worn out fast, but in the last inning, you're right there."

At the collegiate level, players don't have the luxury of previously scouting every opposing batter they will face on game day. Blyzwick attempts to feel the batters out early in the game.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools