By: Nate Beutel, Metro Source
Kyle Smith’s right arm has logged plenty of innings since he first picked up a baseball. But perhaps none have been more impressive than the 75 frames the Niagara-Wheatfield product has tossed this spring for The College at Brockport.
Smith, a senior, owns an 8-1 record along with a 2.28 ERA and a school-record 73 strikeouts for the Golden Eagles, who began play in the double-elimination NCAA Regionals this past week.
“He has been outstanding — he’s been our MVP this season,” Brockport coach Justin Beach said of the second team All-State University of New York Conference selection.
Smith, a former standout at Erie Community College, brought a new approach with him to the mound this spring. After working with some different catchers throughout last summer and into the fall, Smith decided it was time to re-commit to his fastball.
“I’ve been noted as a breaking ball pitcher, a deception guy, but I wanted to make it a point of order to have good command of my fastball this year,” he said. “I wanted to challenge hitters more.”
Part of that process included being more aggressive when ahead in the count, something that Smith has consistently been this season.
“I’m being very relentless,” said Smith, who has walked just 11 batters this year. “If it’s 0-2, I’m not wasting a pitch. I make every strike a quality strike. I want to make hitters expand their zone a little and swing at pitches they shouldn’t.”
Besides his improved heater, Smith has also developed an overhand 12-to-6 curveball that has helped him immensely, particularly against left-handed hitters, according to Beach, who also lauded Smith’s extensive knowledge of the game.
There’s no doubt that Smith, and the rest of the pitching staff for that matter, has also benefitted from the NCAA mandating more wood-like aluminum bats this season.
Still, it’s been a year to remember for Smith, who hopes his final year in green and white continues through the weekend and into the Division III World Series.
“I don’t like to think about moments or scenarios, I’m just prepared to go out and pitch with the same mindset as always — get ahead and stay ahead of hitters,” said a focused Smith, who is just one win shy of the single-season school record.
Beach added, “Kyle has been great for us the last two years and you’d love to see him go out with (a trip to the World Series) along with the rest of these guys.”
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