By Aaron Lommers
Herald Writer
Today’s game
Opponent: Spokane Indians
When: 7:05 p.m.
Where: Everett Memorial Stadium
Radio: KRKO (1380 AM)
Probable starters: Everett right-hander Dylan Unsworth (0-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. right-hander David Perez (1-0, 3.00)
Ready to go another 13?
The AquaSox earned their fourth win of the 2012 season Wednesday, but they had to work for it, coming from behind to beat Spokane 9-8 in 13 innings.
The Frogs escaped the marathon only having to use four pitchers, while Spokane used six, including infielder Nick Vickerson, who pitched the final two-thirds of an inning and was credited with the loss.
“It was kind of a weird situation,” AquaSox manager Rob Mummau said. “I’m not sure what their situation is so I can’t speak intelligently on that. You would have to ask their manager, but I was a little surprised that they used a position player in that situation.
For the AquaSox, the 13-inning victory may have been a grind, but Mummau wasn’t worried about having to manage any differently on Thursday.
“We’ve got 17 pitchers so we have plenty of guys to go another 13 innings tonight — if we have to,” Mummau said before Thursday’s game.
As nerve-racking as those extra-inning games can be, Mummau said that they are enjoyable.
“It always fun,” Mummau said. “Those are the games you are going to kind of want to be in. For me, I like those kinds of games. You know, you kind of see who steps up and who doesn’t. It shows what guys are about.”
Too early to tell
The AquaSox are just six games into the first half of the season, but they are tied for first place — as is every other team in the Northwest League’s West Division.
What does it all mean?
“I have no idea,” Mummau said. “It’s really too early to tell. We have only played two teams and there are six other teams to play. You know with guys coming in and out sometimes with other teams — a team now, in June, might be totally different in August with the player personnel that they have.”
Mummau said the AquaSox have to see every team at least once before they can get anything close to an accurate gauge on where they are at and where the rest of the teams in the league are.
He is taking the same approach with player evaluation, saying it’s just too early.
“I don’t want to single anyone out,” Mummau said. “It’s so early. It’s six games into the season. Anybody can have a good week.”
Littlewood transitioning well
AquaSox catcher Marcus Littlewood got a night off from behind the plate on Thursday, starting the game as the team’s designated hitter.
But Mummau said Littlewood’s transition from the team’s everyday shortstop a year ago to the team’s everyday catcher this season has been successful so far.
“It’s going really well,” Mummau said. “He looks comfortable back there and he takes charge of the game and it doesn’t seem to affect him at all. He’s got some things to work on like everybody, but for the most part he has done a really good job.
Mummau said that there are two things that are challenging to a players trying to transition to catcher.
“I think blocking is probably the biggest thing for anybody that changes,” Mummau said. “He’s a former shortstop. So holding your glove back against body trying to block balls is a lot different than shortstop, you are trying to go get balls. Then the other thing is just calling a game, knowing how to call a game and knowing what pitcher is on the mound and what’s working that day for him and always trying to think one pitch ahead.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
