Spina makes most of chances at LaRoche
For Jonathan Spina, it was all about getting his head right.
The LaRoche College sophomore centerfielder spent the offseason sharpening his mental approach and toughness.
Just as the season was set to begin, he suffered a broken nose and missed the Red Hawks’ first 10 games.
”A relief pitcher caught me in the head the day before Opening Day,” said Spina, a Washington High School graduate. “I still went to Florida and I just watched and took everything in. It actually helped me understand about making in-game adjustments.
”Most of my focus in the offseason was at the plate and on the mental side of the game. I worked hard on the mental aspect of baseball and on strength and conditioning.”
Once his head was clear and the nose healed, Spina earned his spot in the LaRoche outfield.
From his first game, the season has been wondrous.
He went 4-for-8 in his debut against Waynesburg University, 2-for-4 on both ends of a doubleheader. He hasn’t looked back.
Spina enters the tournament with a team-high .429 batting average (54-for-125) with 41 runs, nine doubles, four triples, 22 runs batted in and eight stolen bases. He has walked 15 times and struck out just six times. His on-base percentage is .429 and slugging percentage is .486 for a strong 1.049 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentages).
”I wouldn’t say I am surprised, but I never expected to be hitting like this,” Spina said. “I don’t strike out a lot and I feel like it’s my job to put the ball in play and make things happen.
”I am more of a slap hitter. I can get on base and I like to think I have some speed.”
Spina has stolen eight bases in 11 attempts (72.7 percent).
The former Prexies quarterback and baseball player, and his Red Hawks’ teammates enter the NCAA Mideast Regional, hosted by Washington & Jefferson College at Ross Memorial Park, as the defending regional champions.
LaRoche is 34-8 overall and won the Mountain Conference regular season with a 15-1 record and tournament championship to earn the third seed in the regional.
The Red Hawks play today at 4:30 p.m. against sixth-seeded Keystone (31-13) of La Plume.
Spina is more than excited to be playing at home.
”It’s going to be a great weekend,” Spina said. “Some of my friends from high school will be there and my parents only have to drive 10 minutes. It will be a great time.”
LaRoche expects nothing less than a repeat.
”Obviously, we are the defending champions and we expect to win it again. We think we are as good as anyone.”
The winner of the Mideast Region – which also features host W&J, the fourth seed; top-seeded Wooster (Ohio); second-seeded Suny-Cortland (N.Y.); fifth-seeded Misericordia of Dallas, Pa.; seventh-seeded DePauw from Greencastle, Ind.; and eighth-seed Earlham from Richmond, Ind. – qualifies for the eight-team NCAA Division III national championship at Appleton, Wisc.
”I think the experience of playing in Appleton last year has definitely helped us a lot,” Spina said.
This time, though, Spina expects to be in the middle of the action for the Red Hawks, not just an outside observer.
”Last year, I made five starts, was a pinch-runner and a guy who came in late in games that were blowouts,” Spina explained. “It was great last year for everyone. It was a life-changing experience. But this year, it is more special because of the role I have played in it.
”Going into to this season, I knew I wouldn’t be starting until a couple of roster moves were made. I worked hard to be ready to fill the spot when the moves were made.”
In last year’s regional, Spina had one at bat and laid down a sacrifice bunt. If LaRoche is to defend its’ crown, the Red Hawks will need more than that from their top hitter.
”Playing at Wash High taught me how to win,” Spina said. “There and here, we all know and knew how to do it, how to pull out a victory.
”I don’t expect to be nervous. Once the game starts, it’s another game. We are confident we can pull out the wins.”