2008 Woodie Awards
Home stand rolls on for Mules
Team looks to build on momentum picked up against Emporia
Brad Seiner
Issue date: 4/13/06 Section: Features
Fresh off a strong weekend, the No. 5 Mules' baseball team will continue its home stand with four games against the Truman State Bulldogs Friday and Saturday at Crane Stadium. Friday's doubleheader begins at 4 p.m., and Saturday's doubleheader starts at 1 p.m.
The Mules (25-8, 7-3 MIAA) host Lindenwood University Monday at 7 p.m. and Missouri Southern for a doubleheader Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Central will look to build after taking three-out-of-four games against the No. 11 Emporia State Hornets (28-7, 11-3 MIAA) last weekend. The Mules have won eight of their last 10 games and see a chance to take over first place with the upcoming schedule.
"On paper it looks good for us right now," said Darin Hendrickson, Mules' head coach. "This a chance for us to gain more confidence and win some games we should win, but baseball's really goofy, and anything at this level can happen."
Back in it
During the past couple of weeks, as the Mules have crept toward the top of the MIAA, the team has gotten back to the basics. The Mules are doing the little things that lead to wins.
Hendrickson said this is an area the team needs to continue to work on, and pitching and defense are going to be keys to success the rest of the way.
"I'd just like to see us continue to do the little things well and execute a little better in some areas, like bunting and small ball," Hendrickson said. "We have to continue to pitch well and get those pitchers confident heading down the stretch run."
When the season began, Hendrickson had the daunting task of rebuilding the pitching staff, after losing five pitchers to the major league draft. Finding roles has been a concern for Hendrickson, not only in the starting rotation, but in the bullpen as well.
The rotation is coming together, as the Mules head into the heart of the MIAA schedule. Owen Williams, Judson Smith, Brandon Morris and Justin Clayton round out the top four, but the fifth spot is up for grabs. Hendrickson said confidence has a lot to do with what happens on the mound.
The Mules (25-8, 7-3 MIAA) host Lindenwood University Monday at 7 p.m. and Missouri Southern for a doubleheader Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Central will look to build after taking three-out-of-four games against the No. 11 Emporia State Hornets (28-7, 11-3 MIAA) last weekend. The Mules have won eight of their last 10 games and see a chance to take over first place with the upcoming schedule.
"On paper it looks good for us right now," said Darin Hendrickson, Mules' head coach. "This a chance for us to gain more confidence and win some games we should win, but baseball's really goofy, and anything at this level can happen."
Back in it
During the past couple of weeks, as the Mules have crept toward the top of the MIAA, the team has gotten back to the basics. The Mules are doing the little things that lead to wins.
Hendrickson said this is an area the team needs to continue to work on, and pitching and defense are going to be keys to success the rest of the way.
"I'd just like to see us continue to do the little things well and execute a little better in some areas, like bunting and small ball," Hendrickson said. "We have to continue to pitch well and get those pitchers confident heading down the stretch run."
When the season began, Hendrickson had the daunting task of rebuilding the pitching staff, after losing five pitchers to the major league draft. Finding roles has been a concern for Hendrickson, not only in the starting rotation, but in the bullpen as well.
The rotation is coming together, as the Mules head into the heart of the MIAA schedule. Owen Williams, Judson Smith, Brandon Morris and Justin Clayton round out the top four, but the fifth spot is up for grabs. Hendrickson said confidence has a lot to do with what happens on the mound.