Baseball: Yin and Yang
April 11, 2007
SIU relief pitchers Bryant George and Ian Reinhart complement each other despite their contrasting styles.
Reinhart, a junior, sets the table for George to finish out games. The 1-2 punch heads into today’s game against Southeast Missouri State one and two atop the Saluki ERA leader board – Reinhart has a 2.01 ERA while George has a 1.45 ERA.
Although their numbers are similar, it’s their differences that make each other effective.
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“If they see Jordan (Powell) or Cody (Adams) and we switch to Ian, they think they’re done seeing the faster pitchers and then I come in throwing 90 mph, it definitely throws them off,” George said. “It’s similar to the weather changes between the cold and hot weather.”
Reinhart uses a submarine/sidearm delivery to force opponents to hit ground balls. In 18 appearances, Reinhart has four saves and 14 strikeouts while holding opponents to a .256 batting average.
While his velocity hangs around 85 mph, Reinhart said his location and movement are his keys to success. Reinhart pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in the Salukis’ 6-5 loss to Valparaiso Saturday.
“I’m not trying to overpower anyone out there,” he said. “The arm angle I use creates enough movement that I don’t have to.”
His control has been impeccable this season – in 22.1 innings pitched, Reinhart has walked two without throwing any wild pitches.
After opposing hitters adjust to Reinhart’s unorthodox pitching style, SIU coach Dan Callahan usually sends in his freshman closer, George, to overpower hitters in the ninth inning.
Callahan said George’s 92 mph fastball and confidence makes him an effective closer.
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“Ian’s a sidewinder and a guy like that can be effective maybe one time through the line up but then you bring in Bryant George, who along with Cody Adams, is probably our hardest thrower,” Callahan said. “To us it’s a very good mix because they offset each other so well.”
George has dominated opponents in his 12 appearances in 2007 – in addition to five saves, he has 17 strikeouts and holds opponents to a .154 batting average.
Unlike Reinhart, George uses a grip and rip, over-the-top delivery. While he also throws his slider for strikes, George relies on his four-seam fastball to overpower hitters.
George hasn’t pitched since SIU defeated Evansville 8-5 in 11 innings April 1. He pitched 2.2 innings, his longest outing of the season, to pick up his first career win.
Although George has had more down time than usual he said when they call his number to go into the game, he’s ready to go.
“I’m very pleased with everything I’ve done so far but I’m not done yet,” George said. “Coaches have told me that you’re only a freshman for the first pitch you throw and after that you aren’t a newcomer anymore.”
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