Matt Kavanaugh, senior communication major, joined NSU’s baseball team as a pitcher in 2020. Three seasons later, he finds himself getting better at pitching thanks to the team.
“I felt like NSU would be a great place to spend the next few years developing as a player. I am the pitcher I am today because of the opportunities NSU has given me,” said Kavanaugh.
NSU athletes Carlos Rey, Daniel Irisarri, and Daniel Vazquez (L to R) face off against the opposing team. PHOTOS BY INDAYA BYER.
NSU’s baseball team, which started the season ranked 22nd in the nation in early February, has had several wins and losses throughout the season.
During their most recent game on March 11 against St. Cloud State University, they had a lead of 5-1 up until the eighth inning. At the top of the ninth, St. Cloud State University managed to tie the score 5-5. At the bottom of the tenth, the Sharks came together and completed a run, winning the game 6-5.
Liam Loging, junior exercise science major and pitcher of the baseball team, felt that the game was a good show of the team’s dynamic.
“We got a little bit ahead of ourselves in the top of the ninth, but we were able to pull ourselves back to earth to keep the energy going and pull out a win,” said Loging. “It was a good game.”
The game against St. Cloud State University marked the Sharks’ seventh consecutive win of the season. Before the team’s winning streak, it had eight consecutive losses.
Laz Gutierrez, head coach of the baseball team, says that the season has had its fair share of ups and downs.
“We play good baseball and we play bad baseball. We haven’t played consistent yet,” said Guiterrez. “I think today shows you we play some good baseball, and we give up the lead, you know? That up and down is sort of what we’ve seen.”
Kavanaugh attributes the team’s recent victories to how much the players have bonded throughout the season.
“I feel like the team is starting to get along more together and we’re kind of clicking in a sense that we’re starting to play more for a team rather than just ourselves. When that happens, the energy tends to be positive,” said Kavanaugh.
The team has bonded both on and off the field. The players support each other, encouraging each other to play their best, all while strengthening the relationship they’ve formed.
“We’re starting to become a team. We’re going to the beach, to the pool. Just having fun, getting to know each other more.
It helps us zone in the team. If someone goes down, we pick him back up. It helps get the W,” said Loging.
Next, the Sharks will play against Davenport University on March 16-18. Loging expects the team to be ready to face the challenge.
“Davenport’s a good team. Coach let us know that they’re a regional team. We’re going to be prepared, we’re going to practice, be competent. We’re going to have fun at the end of the day,” said Loging.
Further in the semester, the Sharks will face Saint Leo University, Florida Southern College, University of Tampa, and eventually compete in the NCAA Division II World Series in June.
“I feel like we have the momentum to play anybody. With that being said, we should never take our opponent light. I feel like we’re playing on all cylinders, and we need to take that W and bring that momentum to next weekend. Every game is important,” said Kavanaugh.
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