A year of experience is now under southpaw sophomore J.D. Blevins' belt. That spells trouble for opposing batting orders as Blevins looks poised to torture them seven innings at a time. As a freshman, Blevins didn't lose a regular-season game while posting a 2.65 ERA and a 32-12 strikeout-walk ratio. Those numbers should be even better as the conference title-defending Warriors look to make it three consecutive SVC championships. Run support shouldn't be an issue. If Blevins comes in on top of his game, we could be seeing an early Player of the Year candidate.
He can steal bases, hit for average, and pitch when you want him to. Huntington's do-everything man Brian Smith led the Huntsmen in batting average, hits, stolen bases and ERA last season. Smith added a 2-2 record on the hill with a 23-4 strikeout-walk ratio in the mix as well. Huntington will still use Hunter Henneberger quite a bit, but make no mistake about it, Smith is the ace. The outlook for Huntington's team as a whole, for most, is not a good one. However, if Smith plays like he can and his friends put the bat on the ball, I believe the Huntsmen could surprise some people.
