Ace in the Hole

His turn in the rotation may not have been this afternoon, yet his eyes remained fixated on the game in front of him.

            That kind of focus helped Pace starter Michael Tamburino win the NE-10 player of the week award. The junior has struck out an impressive 52 batters in 56 and one third innings of work for the Setters (21-14, 11-7) this season.

            “It is very nice to get this award,” Tamburino said. “I feel like this is a team award, even if I am the only one to have my name on it.”

            Tamburino watched as his fellow ball players pound the rival Adelphi Panthers (15-17, 6-12) 15-2 this afternoon. And even though he had a day off, Tamburino spent the duration of the game analyzing his opposition.

            “Even if it is not my turn to pitch today, I know that I can always keep getting better,” Tamburino said. “Just because I am not on the mound does not mean that I can’t help my team in some way.”

            The Baldwin resident offered his insight to Setters first baseman Joe Lombardi. Tamburino pointed out some of the tendencies of the opposing pitcher to help his teammate perform.

            Lombardi appeared to listen to his ace’s advice. The first baseman went two for three with a home run and three runs batted in against the panthers.

            “Mike is a very knowledgeable guy when it comes to baseball,” Lombardi said. “He picks up on the opponent’s tendencies pretty quickly and he is constantly making adjustments.”

            It is not just the in game adjustments that have helped Tamburino be recognized by the NE-10. The junior leads the team in innings pitched, and it is Tamburino’s ability to pitch deep into games that has impressed coach Henry Manning.

            “Mike has been a workhorse for us all season,” Manning said. “I have the confidence to pitch him six, seven innings a game because he has proved that he can perform all season, I’m not surprised he got this award.”

            Tamburino’s award marks the second time this season the Setters have had a male athlete win NE-10 player of the week in April. Setter’s lacrosse attacker Matt Mirabito won player of the week on April 9^th.

The Setters raining player of the week will be on the bench again offering insight against the Deacons of Bloomfield College.