University of Richmond Athletics
2012 Richmond Baseball Preview
02/14/2012 | Baseball
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - After a sensational run through the 2011 Atlantic 10 conference tournament and a championship game appearance, the 2012 Richmond Spiders look to build upon its great run from a year ago in the coming season.
In 2011, the Spiders posted a record of 29-27-2, including a mark of 13-11 in conference action. After earning the No. 5 seed in the A-10 tournament, Richmond began its journey to the title game with a win over Xavier. After dropping a game to top-seeded Charlotte, UR reeled off a tremendous double-header sweep with two-straight wins over No. 3 seed Dayton and No. 2 seed Rhode Island.
Despite falling to Charlotte in the championship, the 2011 campaign was terrific success for the Spiders. With its run through the conference tournament, Richmond let it be known that it would be a force to be reckoned with in 2012.
Led by fifth-year head coach Mark McQueen, the Spiders return 21 letterwinners from last year's team, highlighted by senior Chris Cowell, redshirt-junior Adam McConnell, and sophomore Mike Small.
After earning second-team all-conference honors last season, Cowell looks to improve on his numbers from a year ago and be a threat in the middle of the Spiders line-up. Cowell was a two-time A-10 Player of the Week winner in 2011, hitting .291 on the season with five home runs and 21 RBIs.
Bursting on to the scene last year for Richmond was Small, who will look to bounce back after suffering an injury late in his rookie season. Before getting hurt against Virginia on April 20, Small hit .299 while driving in 21 RBIs, earning Atlantic 10 All-Rookie honors. This year, it looks as though Small will return to his shortstop position - a spot where he played every inning of every game before his injury. Small's defense and hitting at such a key position will be vital this season for the Spiders.
Also returning from injury in 2012 is McConnell, who is slotted to be the starting third baseman for the Spiders. After missing all of last year, McConnell was still drafted this past June in the 30th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Projected to hit near the top of the line-up in 2012, McConnell's speed and hitting will help set the table for the middle of the UR order.
Senior Phil Ruzbarsky, who will get most of the playing time in right field this coming season, will headline the Spiders' outfield in 2012. Ruzbarsky had a very good junior year, hitting .289 with five homers and 38 RBIs. The Spiders need similar production this coming season, as Ruzbarsky will be counted on to drive in runs while hitting in the middle of the order in 2012.
On the mound this coming season, Richmond will be led by redshirt-junior Bret Williams and junior Jacob Mayers. Williams was terrific on the bump in 2011, posting a 7-3 record and an ERA of 3.67. Williams led the team in both innings pitched (95.2) and strikeouts (58). Mayers had a solid 2011, finishing the year with a 2-2 record and a 2.88 ERA. Heading in to the season, expectations are high for both players, as they are expected to spearhead the Spiders' weekend rotation.
When they aren't on the mound, both Williams and Mayers will also see considerable time in the field and at the plate. Mayers should see a tremendous amount of playing time at first base, while Williams can serve as the designated hitter and as an outfielder.
Sophomore Andrew Brockett will begin the season in the closer's role for the Spiders, looking to improve off an up and down freshman campaign. Brockett showed tremendous potential in 2011 and boasts one of the stronger arms on the pitching staff.
Senior Alex Maffett will also have an important role out of the bullpen this season, as he will serve as the set-up man and one of the go-to guys to get out of a tough situation. Maffett will look to end his Spider career on a high-note after posting a 3-3 record and a 3.78 ERA in 2011.
The Spiders begin the 2012 season with a road trip to Charleston, South Carolina to play in The Citadel Memorial Challenge. After games against Liberty, The Citadel, and Towson, UR will return home where it will play 20 of its next 23 games at Pitt Field. Last season, the Spiders posted a record of 18-14-1 at home.
For all the latest news, stats, and schedule information on the Richmond Spiders baseball team, go to RichmondSpiders.com.
