#12 |
PEPPERDINE
waves
(38-21, 14-6)
final 2008 ranking: NR |
The Waves skirted the rankings
all season last year, but never quite cracked through
– this despite being without the flame throwing
Brett Hunter for almost the entire season. The Waves
had hoped to have Hunter back in 2009 after he fell
to the seventh round, but he was signed by Oakland late
in the summer. With his absence a number of other hurlers
were able to gain experience last season which should
pay off this spring. Four pitchers who started at least
11 games, led by Nathan Newman (8-4, 3.46), will be
back on the mound as well as senior reliever Nick Gaudi
(5-1, 2.68, 15 SVs) to limit opposing batters. An experienced,
balanced lineup also returns to Malibu, able generate
runs at any spot in the order. Bryce Mendonca (.332,
0, 24), a feisty runner who swiped 32 bases in 37 attempts
will spark the offensive attack.
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