The AU Notebook: More Fun in the Sun for Eagles
May 28, 2006

Ashland University fans were probably more worried about the heat and humidity Sunday than the Eagles. As head coach John Schaly pointed out, the heat’s been kind to the Eagles in 2006.

“We were 14-1 in Florida this year and it was hot down there,” reminded Schaly. “We really haven’t done anything different. It’s hot for both teams.”

The Eagles did arrive in Montgomery on Wednesday and practiced every day up to their game on Sunday with Franklin Pierce. Those practices took place during the middle of the day and the Eagles slowly had an opportunity to get acclimated to the conditions. About the only other things Schaly has had the Eagles do is drink plenty of water and get enough rest.

Catcher Eric Zattlin continues to give the Eagles quality time behind the plate. Against Franklin Pierce, he drove in Ashland’s first run with a two-out single and he finished the game 2-for-2. His defense has been outstanding. All of this from a player who’s playing with a bad knee.

“He’s a tough kid,” said Schaly. “He’s doing it offensively and defensively.”

Not having to play on consecutive days can keep Zattlin fresh. If AU wins on Tuesday night, the Eagles wouldn’t play again until Thursday. A loss on Tuesday puts the Eagles back in action Wednesday afternoon.

AU second baseman Justin Randall likened the pitching pattern of Franklin Pierce starter Shane Presutti to that of Grand Valley’s Jeremy Dow. “Hard fastball, slider,” said Randall.

On Monday, West Chester and Francis Marion will square off in an afternoon elimination game. The Monday night game pits Tampa against Montevallo. Montevallo is at the championships for the first time while Tampa is considered the favorite to take the crown. On Saturday night, West Chester lost to Montevallo in 12 innings. Tampa downed Francis Marion on Saturday afternoon. It will be interesting to see how West Chester and Montevallo rebound from that long, Saturday night game.

The Eagles have 47 victories, the school single-season record for win is 48, set by the 2002 team. That team went to the NCAA Championships and won its opener in Montgomery, 12-5 over Delta State…AU will take a five-game winning streak into Tuesday night’s game…Randall, who already owns the school single-season hit record, belted his 20th double of the season on Sunday. That ties him for the fifth best season mark at AU. Randall has 64 RBI, the third best single-season total in school history…Casey Jirsa has 23 doubles, the third best single-season mark at Ashland. The Eagles have a school-record 142 two-baggers this season…center fielder Tyson Rowland made several fine running catches Sunday. Rowland has become one of AU’s unsung heroes in this season. He’s provided steady defense and speed on the basepaths…former AU head football coach, Dr. Fred Martinelli and his wife, Ruth, are in Montgomery for the Championships. Their grandson, Todd Martinelli, pitched for AU last season.