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2012 Season Preview
Thirty win seasons and post-season runs have become standards for Griffin Baseball. The 2012 campaign brings the same expectations, as Seton Hill builds upon last season’s second straight WVIAC North Division title and second consecutive trip to the NCAA Atlantic Region Tournament.
Despite graduating a number of impact seniors from last year’s 33-15 squad, there appears to be enough fire power returning on the mound to keep the Griffins near the top of the WVIAC and Atlantic Region standings. SHU is excited to welcome back 5th year senior DJ Cannon, who missed the entire 2011 season due to surgery. Cannon went 3-2 in 2010 with a 4.50 ERA and walked just 9 hitters in 45 innings while leading the team in appearances with 17. His supporting cast in the rotation should consist of sophomore 2nd Team All-WVIAC selection Brad Schnelle (6-2, 2.58 ERA, 53 SO), sophomore Alex Haines (4-2, 4.01 ERA), freshman Brett Sullivan (Holy Name HS) and senior Clint White (3-1, 1.26 ERA). Seniors Christian Muth (22 IP, 1.99 ERA) and Jon Murphy (4-2, 5.13 ERA) are expected to anchor the bullpen as they have the past three seasons, with support anticipated from seniors Greg Daviault and Kevin Urtz, junior Cory Kaltenbaugh and junior transfer Sam Bashioum (UMBC). The staff rounds out with sophomores Brandon Sandusky and Brent Daviault, and freshmen Tyler Slepski (Butler HS) and Logan Urtz (Central Valley HS).
Despite losing three starting infielders from last year, the Griffins appear to be athletic and talented around the horn. Senior Nick Erminio returns at shortstop after a stellar 2011 campaign in which he led SHU in doubles (14) and stolen bases (21) while hitting .342. He will be flanked by redshirt sophomore Brendan Costantinio (.311, 14 SB) who posted terrific numbers in the NYCBL this past summer. Senior first baseman Mike Leviseur (.364, 4 HR, 32 RBI), a 2011 Northwoods League All-Star, will be counted on for the middle of the order production once again. Junior Mike Cima, sophomore Pat McCarthy, and freshmen Cody Herald (Butler HS) and Nick Sell (North Allegheny HS) will vie for time at third and second base, while juniors Jeff Simon and Brad Comport work their ways into the lineup at first base.
The outfield looks to be the most experienced portion of the Griffin lineup with the return of senior 2nd Team All-WVIAC pick Josh Logan (.383, 33 RBI, 18 SB) and senior Nate Defilippi (.310, 16 SB). Junior Jackson Boyd (.313, 11 RBI) will add some speed and pop to the lineup, while significant contributions are also expected from sophomores Ryan Hayden and Dan Abbenante.
Senior Alex Hetrick (.256, 14 RBI) will handle the bulk of the catching duties once again this spring, with Freshmen Jon O’Neill (Chartiers Valley HS) and Josh Forbes (Greensville HS) handling the back-up duties.
Carrying on the tradition of 30+ win seasons will not be an easy task this spring. The Griffins open the 2012 slate with three games at Limestone College (34 wins in 2011), followed by a challenging weekend tournament in North Carolina against Davis & Elkins (31 wins), Millersville (#7) and Lemoyne (# 24). The spring trip opens at #6 University of Tampa, followed by #4 Grand Valley and #20 Mankato St. After facing five top-25 teams in a span of 12 days, the Griffins return north for the WVIAC portion of the schedule, culminating at Johnstown’s Point Stadium for the 2012 WVIAC Tournament in early May.
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