Ohio's recent bullpen struggles have cost the team at least two losses over the week, but one former starting pitcher is taking steps to improve his output on the mound.
Senior Kevin Mementowski initially came to the Bobcats as a relief pitcher, making eight appearances in 2006 with a 1-0 record and a 6.52 ERA. Injuries to the starting rotation in 2007 forced Ohio coach Joe Carbone to move Mementowski to a starting role where he found reasonable success: a 3-3 record with a 4.21 ERA as a weekend conference starter.
When the rotation came back whole again this season, Mementowski made the transition back to the bullpen. Although he has become somewhat of a utility pitcher, Mementowski said he's happy to contribute to the team however he can.
I was just hoping to be on the team. A spot is a spot
Mementowski said when asked if he was more comfortable as a starter or a reliever. Whatever we need to do to win games I'm cool with whatever.
Carbone stressed that Mementowski's move last season to the starting rotation was out of necessity rather than preference and added that he has envisioned Mementowski as a relief pitcher for the Bobcats, who host Eastern Michigan this weekend, since the beginning.
We've always liked him as a relief pitcher Carbone said.
He usually goes after people
throws strikes and gives us a chance.
The transition back to his relief role, however, has not been entirely smooth for Mementowski. Entering the weekend, he has posted a 0-2 record this season with a
10.24 ERA in a bullpen that averages a 7.27 mark.
Mementowski has a plan, he said, but it's a matter of putting it into action.
I'm just not hitting spots the way I should be right now
he said. I'm not a power pitcher or anything. If I'm not down in the zone
people are going to hit me.
Although most of the bullpen is struggling alongside him, Mementowski said the issues of the other players do not mean he can't come into a game and succeed. Keeping the ball low is the starting point for his improvement, he said.
You've got to come in there knowing you've got to get people out
he said. Whether other
