Young pitchers step up for Norwin baseball

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, April 20, 2018 | 4:53 PM

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The Norwin pitching staff is learning on the job.

The turnover rate was high in the Knights' rotation, as the team did not return any of its starting pitchers from last season.

“We have almost zero experience on the mound in terms of varsity innings, so I have been very pleased so far with the composure they have showed on the mound,” Norwin coach Mike Liebdzinski said. “I expect them to continue to get more comfortable as the season goes forward.”

Norwin's schedule has been hampered by rainouts. The Knights (3-2, 2-1) didn't play a game until April 5. This forced the staff to prep their new pitchers through a series of indoor and outdoor practices.

“This was a year that we really needed to play a lot early to get all the young guys ready,” Liebdzinski said. “Unfortunately, the weather hasn't cooperated. Between bullpen sessions and throwing live to hitters in the cage, they have gotten a lot of work.

“But (you) can't simulate a real game environment.”

Norwin has turned to a pair of underclassmen in the No. 1 and No. 2 roles: freshman Jayden Walker and sophomore Aiden Shephard. Both lefties are 6-foot-3 and have fastballs with a velocity in the 80s.

“That is a lot to ask of a freshman and sophomore, but they are both confident in their abilities and have some talent,” Liebdzinski said. “They have a chance to be a very good tandem for us down the road.”

It is a bit uncharacteristic to see two young arms fill such a prominent role for Norwin, a program that has found some of its greatest success with seniors and veterans.

But with the turnover and the tandem's dynamic ability, the coaches knew they had to throw them into the fire sooner rather than later.

“I have been hesitant to play a lot of young guys in the past, but this group has the skill and the size to compete at the varsity level,” Liebdzinski said. “It became clear early on that we were going to insert some of these younger guys into the lineup right from the start.”

The junior class also is making an impact on the hill. Billy Kerston threw a complete-game five-hitter in an 11-1 win over Penn Hills on April 13. Derek Turkovski also is continuing to progress.

“Billy threw a real nice game for us against Penn Hills the other day. He throws strikes and makes his opponents put the ball in play,” Liebdzinski said. “Our defense has been very solid behind him. Derek has the ability to be a very good high school pitcher, but we need him to be more consistent.”

Senior Javier Rosado, a transfer originally from Puerto Rico, joined the team this season and has provided solid production.

If needed, the Knights can go even deeper into the rotation. But that would cause players such as junior Logan Liebdzinski (second base), junior Owen Sabol (third base) and senior Nick Zona (short stop) to move from positions where they are finding success.

“They have been very good defensively this year, and I am hesitant to use them too much on the mound because of that,” Liebdzinski said. “But they are all solid pitchers who will help us as we need them.”

Nathan Smith is a freelance writer.

Tags: Norwin