Prep baseball notes: University’s Jared Smith sparks potent offense
When the Greater Spokane League’s best hitter – at least statistically entering the week – steps into the batter’s box, he gives his lower back and hips a wiggle that would catch the attention of Elvis.
But University High’s Jared Smith said “the wiggle” has nothing to do with setting his balance prior to staring down a fastball.
“I actually didn’t know I was doing that until somebody said something,” Smith said. “Hitting coach Jeff Williamson and Bryce (Williamson) were making fun of me. But it just keeps me locked in.”
And locked in Smith has been. The Titans senior entered Thursday’s game with Gonzaga Prep batting .533 after finishing 0 for 4 in Tuesday’s 5-3 win over the Bullpups.
Smith and teammates Brian Hill (.457), Mitch Rhodes (.404) and Garrett Schmerer (.388) have fueled many of the football-like scores that have U-Hi contending this year in the GSL.
“This is the first time since I’ve been here that we’ve been in contention,” the all-league catcher said. “It’s a great thing to be a part of.”
Asked if he had any secrets to good hitting, Smith mentioned one: seeds.
“I started hitting with sunflower seeds,” he said. “When it’s working, don’t change.”
Smith’s coach, Tom Hoiland, said he didn’t know that Smith was leading the league in batting average. Smith also was second in the league with 19 runs batted in behind Mt. Spokane’s Tyler Bailey (22).
“I’m not a big stats guy,” Hoiland said. “I look for quality at-bats.”
Smith has delivered his share.
“He’s just a good Titan,” Hoiland said of Smith. “He’s not just a good player, he’s good people. He’s a good student. He leads by example.”
Behind all those runs, U-Hi (9-6 entering Thursday) has remained near the top of a league that has several contenders.
“It makes it fun,” Hoiland said of the GSL’s parity. “For us to be in the thick of it and to have a chance makes it very exciting.”
Pulliam carries big load
Mt. Spokane (13-2 before Thursday) has begun to separate itself from a crowded field of contenders. The Wildcats have done so behind the exploits of a senior pitcher, who also has won games with his big bat.
Matthew Pulliam entered the week among the league leaders in pitching with a 4-0 record and a 1.09 ERA.
But he was also hitting .372, stood second in doubles with seven and was tied for the league lead with two home runs along with G-Prep’s Ryan Gross and Rogers’ Zach Day.
“We were fortunate last year to have (Drew) Rasmussen. He was the league MVP,” Wildcats coach Alex Schuerman said. “Matt hasn’t matched those numbers, but he has done everything.”
Pulliam hit a three-run homer in the first inning against G-Prep and also hit a two-run homer that blew open a 1-all tie against Mead.
“He’s our true ace and stopper, and he’s played good at third and first,” Schuerman said. “He’s just so steady. You never have to worry about what you are going to get with him.”
Pulliam pulled something in his back after pitching three innings Tuesday in a 3-1 win over Ferris. He’s not yet sure when he’ll be able to go.
“I think I’m going to take it easy for the next couple of days … and take the safest route possible,” Pulliam said.
Asked how he’s been able to put up such impressive numbers, Pulliam credited Schuerman.
“ ‘Sherm’ takes pride in coaching the little things. We do the little things really well,” he said. “We are finding ways to put the ball in play and just make things happen.”
He said it helps on the mound when he’s surrounded by players such as Cooper Smith (.414 entering the week), Billy Parada (.314) and Bailey, who knocked in all three runs Tuesday and bumped his batting average to .510.
“He’s playing amazing,” Pulliam said of Bailey, who had 10 hits in a three-game stretch last week.
Pulliam said he hopes to help his team back to the state playoffs. The Wildcats came within a couple of outs last year of reaching the championship game.
“Baseball is a crazy game. Anything can happen,” Pulliam said. “You have to treat every game like it’s a playoff game from here on out.”