Feel the heat: Gators pitchers have 2.73 ERA
By Jeff Malmgren
Chad Pierce's game-winning grand slam in a 7-4 home victory over Winchester is the most memorable moment of the Fauquier Gators' season thus far — “It was unbelievable; top three most exciting things I’ve experienced on that field," coach Paul Koch said — but it's a pitching staff ranked third in the Valley Baseball League that could make this season one to remember.
Albeit mundane compared to Pierce's bottom of the ninth-inning heroics on June 6, Fauquier's pitching staff is largely responsible for the Gators' impressive start. With an 8-3 record they lead the VBL's North Division by a half game over Winchester (9-4) and have the league's best win percentage at .730.
The Gators have achieved that with great pitching supported by near-flawless defense. Their .968 fielding percentage ranks first in the VBL and their 14 errors are the fewest by any team, while their 2.73 team ERA ranks third and their .217 opponent's batting average is the league's best.
"Just about every game in this league the last two years, the team that reduces errors has the best chance to win," Koch said. "It gives the pitching staff the confidence to throw the ball and get it in play."
In turn, Gators pitchers have been phenomenal. Fauquier starters Daniel Ottone (Western Carolina University), Rob Whitley (Virginia Tech), Eric Alessio (Marist), BJ Martin (Marist) and Sean McCarthy (Evansville) are 5-2 with a 3.63 ERA (led by McCarthy's 1.54 mark) and the bullpen has been even more impressive.
Closer Shawn Griffith (George Mason), named VBL Pitcher of the Week in week one, leads the league with six saves and has yet to allow a run in 8.1 innings while striking out nine.
“It’s his mentality," Koch said. "When it’s the 7th inning and we’re up by a run or more, he’s smelling it. He knows it’s go time [in the ninth]...
See the Wednesday print edition of the Fauquier Times-Democrat for the complete story.