Johnnie baseball looks to stay hot after winning streak

Through 25 games thus far, the St. John’s baseball team sits at 17-8 overall and 6-2 in conference play.

The Johnnies have gained non-conference and MIAC victories over opponents in the likes of Northwestern (St. Paul), Hamline, Gustavus and Minnesota-Morris.

These victories have the Johnnies on a six game winning streak and third place in the MIAC standings.

The team had 71 runs scored and consistent pitching in the last six wins.

Fifth-year second baseman Owen Dauk, who is hitting .364 and slugging .568, believes the team has high morale but still needs to prepare for their series against Augsburg on April 18. “There are still aspects in all of our games that we can improve to help us with the second half of MIAC play and playoffs. Our performances lately have helped us gain confidence, which has benefited us on the field and will continue to benefit us in the future,” Dauk said.

Dauk, who has 32 hits and 17 RBI, commented on his three-step approach at the plate and his effort to remain consistent throughout the season. “[I’m] patient for a pitch that I can hit well, staying within myself and not trying to do too much. [I try] not to think too much during the at bat and trust my coaching and my instincts,” Dauk said.

Junior pitcher Connor Hartley added a win to his 4-2 record with a complete game against Carleton on Saturday.

Notching six strikeouts, the Johnnies won the game with a score of 13-8, advancing the Johnnies to their current standing in the MIAC.

Hartley explains that he has to maintain balance between pitching a winning game and resting as needed. “My approach to starting a game is to give my team a shot at winning. Every game, I want to go out there and compete for the guys behind me. I recover from pitching seven innings [by sticking] to my routine of throwing throughout the week and listening to my body. Keeping it lighter when the arm is sore allows me to rest and recover for my next start,” Hartley said.

With the latter half of the season consisting of MIAC opponents, Hartley asserts that these games are of the highest level of importance going forward and believes confidence is key.

St. Olaf (7-1) and St. Mary’s (8-2) currently sit at the top of the standings. “We have started off conference play well and put ourselves in a good position to make the playoffs. The team’s mentality is to play our game. We know we have a great team, and if we go out there and play our best baseball, we are going to win a lot of games,” Hartley said.

Senior outfielder Rodney Erickson—who is a four-year starter and is among the Johnnie career leaders in games played, runs scored and triples—recognizes how the St. John’s baseball program has impacted him as he approaches graduation. “With this being my last season, I am just trying to soak up every moment no matter how small. This group of guys is special, and they make it so fun to go out and compete for each other,” Erickson said.

Erickson is hitting .283 with 13 extra base hits, 24 runs scored and seven stolen bases from the leadoff spot in the lineup in his senior campaign.

The Johnnies will play a double-header against Augsburg on Thursday at Parade Stadium in Minneapolis.