Warriors take aim at best start in program's history

Ed Cheff would like to see his Lewis-Clark State baseball team play at optimum efficiency at all times, of course.

That hasn't happened this season. But the Warriors have been able to muster their best performances in the most crucial moments - hence their 28-2 record that includes a number of narrow escapes.

"We haven't played real well all the time, but we've responded good in extra innings or end of games," Cheff said this week. "And you kind of like that. You'd always like to play better earlier, but if I had my druthers, I'd go with guys who play well in the end, especially in tight games."

The Warriors have a chance to make program history today at Salem, Ore., when they face Willamette in a doubleheader at noon. If L-C wins both, it will be off to the best start in school history, surpassing the 29-2 record compiled by the 2008 club.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the Warriors are more balanced than star-studded. Their most productive hitters have been Pat Murray (.422 average, five homers), Brian Gaylord (.391, four homers) and Brian Burke (.358, 13 homers) - each of whom has gone on periodic hot streaks.

It's the same story with L-C's pitchers. Colby Hawk (4-0, 1.72 ERA), Tyler Knigge (6-0, 2.51) and Tyler Lichty (3-0, 3.86) have been the most reliable starters, though none would be an obvious choice as the Warriors' ace.

Cheff is pleased with the middle relief offered by Stephen Foster and Seth Haehl, and Henry Buenrostro is a fixture in the closer's role.

"We've got to figure out now in the next five weeks the role guys - how to use the pitching staff," Cheff said.

The Warriors will play their next nine games away from Harris Field. After this three-game set with Willamette (9-15), L-C will play at fellow NAIA stalwart British Columbia next week.