Countdown to First Pitch: The 2013 Offensive Approach

COUNTDOWN TO FIRST PITCH: THE 2013 OFFENSIVE APPROACH

One thing the Hilltoppers have done over the last six years is hit. In fact, in five of the last six seasons WKU has hit over .290 as a team, including hitting over .300 in three different seasons since the year 2007. In 2012, WKU hit .252 as a team, but displayed a much more patient approach at the plate, walking 277 times on the year, which was good for the sixth-highest total in program history. 
With 2012 now in the rearview mirror, the WKU hitters are ready to get the bats cranking once again. And judging by their offseason workouts, the results could come sooner rather than later.
“So far everything is really coming along offensively,” WKU assistant coach Blake Allen said. “I think our guys have really worked hard throughout the offseason and it’s really showing. This group is really buying into the system and they understand our plan at the plate. The hitters are constantly putting stress on our pitching staff, which we feel like could be a really good staff this year. Overall I think these guys are working really hard and hopefully that all pays off during the season.”
Despite the losses of Jared Andreoli, Casey Dykes, Ivan Hartle and Ryan Hutchison to graduation following the 2012 season, WKU will rely heavily on players ready to take the next step. Take outfielder David Simmons for example, who emerged in 2012 during an injury to Andreoli. Simmons hit .235 in 33 starts in the Hilltopper outfield, but really got things going over the summer. Simmons was named a 2012 Great Lakes All-Star after hitting .342 with the Lexington Hustlers, which included legging out seven doubles and blasting two home runs.
WKU will also welcome back regular starters Scott Wilcox and Ryan Huck, who have combined to start 243 games in the Hilltopper infield in their careers. Wilcox, now a junior, hit a career-high .276 in 2012 and led the patient approach at the plate, leading the Sun Belt Conference in walks with 46. 
WKU also witnessed the emergence of catcher Devin Kelly, who helped fill the void left by former Hilltopper catcher and current Bowling Green Hot Rod, Matt Rice. Kelly hit .244 on the year, but found his groove down the stretch, putting together five multi-hit games in the final 16 games of the season. Kelly hit a team-best .317 with runners in scoring position, while also driving in 11 runs with two outs in an inning.
Even with returning talent coming back, don’t be surprised to see plenty of newcomers making an impact at the plate for WKU in 2013. Here’s a closer look and what WKU has coming back in 2013, along with the new faces Hilltopper fans should get accustomed with.
Who’s Back:
Jordan Cessna: Cessna played in 28 games in 2012, getting 50 at-bats at the plate, finishing the season with one home run and two RBI.
Kelby Chowning: Chowning had 12 at-bats in 2012, picking up a pair of hits, including a double.
Blake Crabtree: Crabtree played in 42 games in 2012, hitting .264 with 11 RBI.
Justin Hageman: Right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman is expected to make an impact at the plate once again in 2013 after hitting .250 in his sophomore season.
Steve Hodgins: Hodgins started 45 games in the Hilltopper infield in 2012, hitting three doubles, one triple and one home run.
Ryan Huck: Huck started 43 games at both first base and behind the plate in 2012, hitting .232 with 21 RBI as a junior.
Devin Kelly: Kelly hit .244 in 33 starts behind the plate for the Hilltoppers in 2012, leading the team with a .317 batting average with runners in scoring position.
Adam Lavelle: Lavelle hit .238 in 34 starts, belting his first home run of the season in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.
Ryan Messex: Messex played in 21 games in 2012, making 12 starts, while hitting .214 in 42 at-bats.
Matthew Paculan: Paculan appeared in 29 games in 2012, picking up four hits on the year.
David Simmons: David Simmons started 33 games in the outfield in 2012, hitting .235 in 115 at-bats.
Scott Wilcox: Wilcox hit .276 in 2012, walking a team and league-best 46 times. Wilcox was named Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference as a utility player after playing three of the four infield positions.
Who’s New (Click Bio to Learn More):
Josh Bartley 
Parker Cash
Leiff Clarkson
Regan Flaherty
John Gastinger
Ty Hogan
Trevor Lowe
Anderson Miller
Thomas Peter
Griffith Roark

Monday, January 28: Myers Recaps Weekend Scrimmages  Wednesday, January 30: Breaking Down the Pitching Rotation  Friday, February 1: Welcoming the New Talent  Monday, February 4: The 2013 Offensive Approach Wednesday, February 6: Getting Defensive Friday, February 8: Seniors Leading the Charge in 2013 Monday, February 11 – Friday, February 15: Game Week

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