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That’s what makes this story so great.

The Patriots, clearly underdogs, especially in a difficult Commonwealth District, have bucked the odds makers, at least until this point.

Props. Kudos. Much love. Excellent work, fellas.

As of this afternoon, the Patriots stand at 9-3 overall and 5-2 in the Commonwealth District.

Not bad, huh?

“Am I surprised? Yes, I’m surprised. We had no returning pitching and one returning starter,” quipped Head Coach Carroll Bickers. “Yeah, you can say I’m surprised.”

Here’s a look INSIDE a few of the critical components that make the Patriots tick.

(all stats have been tabulated through 11 games)

Robbie Taylor, senior, second base: Taylor is hitting .275 but finds other ways to get on base. He’s walked six times and been hit by four pitches. Taylor has nine runs and four RBI through 11 contests.

“Robbie goes deep in the count,” Bickers said. “That’s why we like him.”

Vince Coles, junior, left field: Red-hot so far, Coles is hitting .650 with two home runs, 18 RBI, 18 runs and 12 extra base hits. Coles has fantastic speed – he was clocked at 6.9 in the 60.

“Vince has power and he can spray the ball all over the field,” Bickers said. “He’s on fire right now.”

Andrew Bradley, senior, shortstop: Despite just 26 varsity at bats last year, Bradley has made a quick transition to varsity play. He’s hitting .375 with 12 RBI and 11 runs scored.

“Andrew is a good No. 3 hitter,” Bickers explained. “He works the count well. Vince has scored 18 runs, so Andrew is driving him in. They compliment each other well.”

Tyler Molinaro, junior, pitcher/first base: A true clean-up hitter, Molinaro is batting .349 with two home runs, 12 RBI, 10 runs and eight extra base hits. Molinaro is also a mainstay in the pitching rotation. He was 2-1 through 11 games.

“Tyler has a lot of pop,” Bickers said. “He also plays an exceptional first base.”

Adam Utz, junior, catcher: With an inexperienced pitching staff, there was certainly additional pressure placed on Utz behind the plate. While bringing a steadying influence to the rotation, Utz has also been consistent with the bat, hitting .425 with three RBI, 11 runs and five extra base hits.

“Adam is very good with our young pitching staff,” Bickers said.

Robbie, Vince, Andrew, Tyler and Adam: You all have earned a T-Shirt courtesy of CVASPORTS.COM and Ragged Mountain Running Shop. T-Shirts will be handed out once per week, so there are not many out there in Central Virginia. To pick up your T-Shirt, ask for Mark or Cynthia Lorenzoni at Ragged Mountain Running Shop at No. 3 Elliewood Avenue on the UVa Corner today.

Posted by Jerry Miller on April 28, 2008 11:39 PM | Permalink

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