Test of the depth: Jimmies to play 11 games in 8 days

Pitching is expected to be a strength for the Jimmie baseball team.

It will be tested over the next week.

Jamestown College, off to a 4-1 start, plays 11 games in eight days beginning Sunday on its annual spring trip. The Jimmies play seven different teams over that stretch in Tucson, Ariz., beginning Sunday against Arizona Christian University.

“It’s a true test of our depth and our passion for playing the game,” said JC coach Tom Hager. “We look at it as an opportunity to get a bunch of games under our belt in a great climate. Hopefully we continue to play good baseball.”

So far the JC pitching staff has allowed just 12 runs in five games and held St. Ambrose of Iowa and Concordia-St. Paul to a .216 batting average.

The Jimmies haven’t been great offensively, either, though, hitting just .268.

“Offensively we’ve been tinkering with our lineup a little bit and we’ll continue to do that and hopefully by the end of the trip we’ll have put something together we can go forward with for most of the season,” Hager said.

The top of the order looks to be set with hot-hitting Nolan Skowronek (9-for-14) and Matt Achter (5-for-11) off to blistering starts. Mitch Stevens leads in RBIs early on with five.

“It’s early, but we’re still searching for consistency and guys that are going to give us quality at bats on a consistent basis,” Hager said.

The pitching has been good.

Darren Iseri has not given up a run in eight innings. Adam Rangers has allowed just one run in eight frames. Blake Stewart has a 0.00 ERA over 5 2/3 innings.

“We’re going to have to bring some guys back to start multiple games or be flexible with either relieving or starting with playing so many games over a short period of time,” Hager said.

They’ll also see who can get outs against quality teams. Hager said the Arizona slate is demanding, including a game against preseason No. 16 Lubbock Christian of Texas on Thursday.

“We’re playing great competition. This is a going to be a really good test for us,” Hager said. “We’re going to find out a lot more about our team by the end of the trip.”

Sun sports editor Dave Selvig can be reached at (701) 952-8460 or by e-mail at dselvig@jamestownsun.com

Tags: sports, jimmies, baseball