Whirlwind of a start

The start to the 2012 baseball season has been a whirlwind of emotions for the DWU baseball team. The team started by taking three out of four from Dickinson State in the Metrodome. Pitching was dominant for the Tigers in the Dome. Starters Ethan Opsahl, Joey Fitzgerald and Nick Pecha all looked good in their season debuts. Closer Zac Custer earned two saves in the series.

"Our pitching was very sound," DWU head coach Steve Gust said. "They got ahead of the hitters, changed things up a bit and competed. They were better than expected."

Offensively, Kirk McBreen and Erik Nockleby had strong showings and big hits for the Tigers. Defense was also solid for the Tigers, led by Maximum Shower's play in left field.

"Max made some unbelievable plays," said Gust. "His plays really sparked our performance."

Last weekend, the Tigers ran into a buzz saw of sorts with Sterling College. Sterling won three games in impressive fashion.

"Sterling had quality arms and players," Gust said. "They could do it all. It was good for our team to see such an elite team."

The Tigers kept the score close in all three games but couldn't get over the hump against Sterling.

"They were the better team, but we still had chances to win," said Gust. "That's all you can ask for as a team."

DWU had chances to win two games Sunday against Bethany, too, but a walk off grand slam prevented them from winning game one.

"That was a tough one to lose," said Gust. "We had a great comeback in game one only to see them rally in the last inning. Although it was extremely disappointing, games like this will only help us down the road."

DWU finished the six-game road trip with a one-loss in game two against Bethany.

"It just wasn't our weekend," Gust said. "But I liked a lot of what we did as a team. As tough as the results were, I know these games are going to help us as a team."