Oracle Online

Verdugo himself was actually unaware of the achievement until after the game. “To be quite honest I didn’t know anything about it. The thing I was most pleased with is that the kids in our program and the coaches recognized it, and I was happy they gave me a jersey to commemorate the hunderedth [win],” said Verdugo.

A mere glimpse at the big picture of the Hamline baseball program, and it’s clear that things are moving in the right direction. Nonetheless, a look at the micro-level that is this particular season will elicit disappointment on behalf of the coaches and players.

“Not to make excuses, but a couple balls here and there and it’s a much different season,” said Verdugo, who also stressed that if the team is to be successful in the coming weeks, they must make offensive strides in clutch situations. With MIAC leading St. Olaf and St. Thomas on the horizon, the Pipers have to take advantage of all opportunities. “The chances you have to execute against top teams might be only twice. If we get [runners on] second and third with one out, we have to execute in that situation. It’s really important for us.”

While still confident this season can be a success, Verdugo does not want to diminish the program’s increasing improvement over the last handful of years. As Verdugo explained, prior to his and his coaches’ tenure, 35 of the last 38 seasons have fallen below .500. The new trend? If the Pipers manage a winning season this year, it will be the third in only five years. If that does not provide scope, it’s unclear if anything else can.

“It puts things in perspective,” said Verdugo. “When you’re measuring success rates, not that if you look at my resume and things from high school to professional to collegiate, I’m used to winning and I don’t accept mediocrity. At the same time you have to understand where you were, and where you’re at. [If we finish with a winning season] we will be at least 92-91 the last five seasons.”

The team has its work cut out in the following weeks, and must try to find some consistency. Many of the losses this year have been by slim margins, with an important few being in extra innings. After winning both games of the doubleheader against Carleton on April 13, the team followed with a three game losing streak before it would win two in a row again. If the team can, as Verdugo suggests, improve its offense, hopefully they can string together some victories and make a playoff push.

Just don’t doubt their potential. Said Verdugo, “Things are looking up, we’re very competitive. That’s what I’m most proud of. I’m excited about the 100 wins but also just knowing that we know we can go out there and win.”