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Show Page 6 - Tuesday, May THE HERALD, Provo, Utah, 17, 1983 A full report and commentary on winners, losers and coming events Sports - 00 lo A,M1 Murderer's Row Ready ' ' By DOROTHY KNOELL Herald Sports Writer In the old days it was Dickey, Lazzari, Ruth and Gehrig (among others) making up the meat of the Yankees' "Murderer's Row" striking fear into the hearts of .opposing pitchers. Today it's Joyner, Snyder, Varoz and Cooper, BYU's version of Murderer's Row, giving opposing itchers ulcers before the games, eadaches during the contests and after. 'nightmares BYU coach Gary Pullins has juggled his batting order a lot this year, but "Wally J," "Snyd," ;'E.V." and "Coop" have pretty well settled into the heart of order as the WAC playoffs approach, giving BYU one of the strongest lineups in the nation. At times it's been or maybe or but whatever the combination, they've managed to destroy the ERAs of opposing pitchers all year long. In the Cougars' 59 games, the four Cat Assassins have accounted tor 51 percent of BYU's RBI (279 of 552) ; 46 percent of the hits (348 of 754); 45 percent of the runs . ; Swing for W AC Title fro .seored (281 of 629); and 64 percent ol the home runs (58 of 96). Collectively, they're hitting a sizzling .407. "We've always had one or two good people, and we've been solid there (in the middle of the lineup) 'before, but as far as hitting for g 'power, batting average, combined, we've probably never been stronger than this "year," said BYU coach Gary Pullins. "All four can run the bases, not all with exceptional speed maybe, but they can all run. They can all hit with power, hit and run, bunt well, Joyner and Snyder don't have to bunt much, but they , can iney re just strong in a 101 oi ways." ' g Joyner sits at 'the top of the heap in most of the categories this year. The junior first baseman is hitting a murder-ous .471 (.518 in WAC games only) with 106 hits and 90 RBI, leading the team with 21 homeruns and 32 doubles, just two shy of the NCAA record of 34. : ' Those stats put him in the top 20 'in batting average in the nation, the top 10 in homeruns and the top three in RBI. . "He's the premier college hitter in the country," said Pullins of the hitting Joyner. "He's come a full circle from starting as a freshman (batting .333 with 48 RBI and 10 homers) to becoming one of the best players in the country." Joyner is a pure hitter. He doesn't strike out often (only 16 in 225 at bats) and has the same every--thin- Smooth-swingin- left-hand- at the plate whether or he's at Joyner said he prepares himself to bat by knowing what kind of pitches the opposing pitcher likes to throw and confidence 0-- 2. 3-- 0 knowing what to expect. "If the guy's a fastball pitcher, I vizualize his fastball coming at me where I want to hit it. I know what kind of pitch I can hit hard, so if he throws me something I can't hit well, I won't swing at it," Joyner said, who often takes a strike or two before unlimbering his bat. "I'm not impatient at the plate, I like to wait and see what he's throwing. Of course, if I get two strikes on me, then I have to protect the plate, but I've found that if I'm patient, I'll usually get the pitches I want." "I've always been able to hit," he added frankly. "In little league, high school, I was always on the all-stteams, not because of power or homeruns, but just be- ar BATTING Day AB R H An. BI IB IB Hit 1 1 0 1000 0 0 0 e 1 1 3 .500 7 0 225 101 II 34 85 41 M 71 4 M 71 at Snyder us WUlei 171 Cooper Ray Carrick Hyde an u 73 290 183 Vim Mea!e IN 55 58 Stdredge Eaijar 114 11 II II Inouye SO II 33 13 .471 .410 .411 .400 .301 .374 .384 .351 .343 .321 .307 . 188 .184 00 30 88 37 43 33 4 SB 1 7 II I 4 0 3 15 1 8 17 1 I 1 0 0 0 B 3 1 4 SI 30 37 1 1 1 11 II 10 S 10 4 S 4 0 0 I 1 4 cause I could hit the ball and not strike out very often." Joyner is enjoying his best statistical season ever, something he said he really didn't expect. "I had a really good year last year (.445 average, 26 doubles, 10 homers, 63 RBI). I didn't think I could match the stats I had last year, but I've had a great year this year," he said. Joyner said he's worked hard to hit lefthanders better, getting a lot of help from the many lefthanded pitchers on the Cougar squad this year. It also helped, he said, when nearly every team they faced in two California tournaments early this year threw a lefthander against their squad. But another big reason for his improvement, Joyner noted, is the strength of the Cougar lineup from top to bottom. "Our whole lineup can hit. I've seen a lot better pitches this year than last year because the pitchers don't want to walk me and have to pitch to Cory (Snyder) or Eric (Varoz) with men on base," he said. That's not always true, as 17 doubles and collected 88 RBI. At homer-happ-y BYU he set a new season high of as a freshman with 25, netting College Freshman of the Year honors in the process. "Of course, there was a little pressure going into this year," Snyder admitted, "but not all that much. I knew that every time I got up, people expected me to hit a homerun, but it didn't bother me four-bagge- rs Lee II Roddy 81 13 36 W7I H Totals 11 1 11 the fence, hit Statistics BYU AftUlera Beaven Joyner there's less than two outs and a man on second, I think they just don't want to pitch to both of us." While that makes a lot of sense, it didn't work for the Utes that day because Snyder, the second of BYU's "murderers," just didn't cooperate. He banged out a single, a double and a and homerun, scoring Joyner twice. Snyder is anything but a pleasant sight for a pitcher who has just tangled with Joyner. He has already sent 21 balls sailing over wit- nessed by the three intentional walks Joyner drew in one game against Utah. "Well," he smiled, "when IP Beaven Ward Bowden DeLaTorr Lee Sc.Nieleen Agullera Saflell SLNieUen TotaJi .171 .153 7M .384 18 17 B 18 tU 3 17 H PITCHING R ER BB SO W L 11.1 13.1 17 80.1 13 13 8S SB 11 14 8 43 111 43 34 100.1 104 SI 44 S3 35 17.1 21 IS 38.1 SI 37 481 171 til 10 I JO 38 10 18 18 41 31 B 15 11 13 17 S3 Ml 141 31 34 40 11 46 13 0 0 0 7 148 88 ERA 1 1.14 84 3.24 34 3.B St 104 3.46 63 77 43 3.31 1343.58 3 511 11 0- - 1 28 1- - 5.80 1 6.13 Ml 114 3.M that much." After going through a "little bit of a slump" early in the year, Snyder is anchored at the cleanup spot in the batting order with an impressive .415 average. "I feel like I can hit the ball hard every time I get up. Sometimes I find myself getting impatient, getting out on my front foot and being ahead of the pitches. When that happens, I start popping up and not hitting hard," he said. "But I've learned to be more patient and wait for a good pitch. If I haven't hit before, I don't worry, because I know I can get at least one hit every game." Snyder also points to the strength of the Cougar hitters as a big part of his success. "I've never been in such a strong lineup it's probably the strongest in the nation," he said. "In high school, if you're the power hitter, you're expected to get the runs for everybody. But here, it helps a lot to know that all you have to do is get on and someone will bring you in." Often, that someone has been Varoz, the third member of BYU's "most wanted" list. Coming out of Hillcrest High School as a highly touted infielder he was 1981 American Legion MVP Varoz through a freshman year that found Eressive all season with a injury. hamstring But this spring, with a healthy leg and a permanent home in leftfield, the stocky Cougar sophomore has more than justified the expectations of fans and coaches with a .343 average, 11 homeruns and 58 RBI and being one of the best around at taking an extra base when the opportunity arises. Although one of the smaller men on the squad, standing only and weighing 165, Varoz proved he had plenty of power last week by socking a pitch over the green wall in center field during the BYU-Uta- h at Derks Field. "He reminds me of the 'Toy Cannon' Jimmy Wynn. He's not big, but he's a strong kid and he's got a lot of pop," said Pullins. "He's doing this year what we thought he'd do last year, but he had that injury and you just can't play that way." Varoz has appeared in all sorts of positions in the lineup this year, sometimes batting second, sometimes fourth, or fifth or sixth. That might bother some people, but Varoz said he doesn't mind "Some guys like to hit in one position all the time, and I used to be that way, but now I don't mind. I just want to get my cuts. Every time I get up, I want to have a and hit the ball hard," good at-bhe said. Varoz said this year's Cougar team reminds him of his Hillcrest High team in a lot of ways. suffered less-than-i- if , J KIT 5-- 7 . m spected everyone," Varoz said. "And that helps everyone, it's kind of a mental attitude, every player has confidence in the next guy." One man the Cougars have developed a lot of confidence in is the freshman Cooper, another high school infielder who has found a home in the outfield and another member of the BYU bomb squad. Cooper got a chance to start for the Cougars when Nate Hyde, the regular rightfielder, was injured. "When I came in, I just hoped the team would do well and that I could be a part of it," said Cooper. "I made some mistakes early in the year and I've learned a lot." if U XX if jju w at "Comparatively, considering that level to this level, it was the same type of thing with that Hillcrest team as now. Everyone could hit and the pitchers re- x Wally Joyner Gary Cooper j tatobn-- ..uTi'l n. Eric Varoz Cory Snyder a lot," he said. "And the guys behind me have been hitting great, so they can't walk me as much to get to them." Of course, Joyner, Snyder, Varoz and Cooper aren't the only Cougars who can swing a bat. Just about everyone on the team could be convicted of crimes against pitchers. from "Murderer's Row," and some pretty fancy pitching to carry them past the tough competition in this week's conference playoffs. San Diego State (with a .332 team average) is ranked third by the same poll that ranks BYU second, and Hawaii is ranked 23rd. The fourth team, Wyoming, is the only Northern Division school to beat the Cougars this year. "Overall it should be a real offensive battle, I think a lot of runs will be scored," said Varoz in anticipation. "Of course, I donl know much about their pitchers, but I know we're going into it with Lurking up there with the "fearsome foursome" is sec- ond baseman Rob Ray, hitting .374 with eight home runs and 38 RBI in his leadoff spot. Designated hitter Bart Day has quietly put together a .420 average during his turns in the DH spot, including seven home runs and 39 RBI, and freshman Mike Willes, who has been sharing DH and third base A fast learner, Cooper has duties, is ripping the ball at a .400 proved to be a dangerous man at clip with 27 RBI. As a team BYU hits at .364, the plate by hitting for a .398 43 RBI and 68 third His hits, highest in the nation accordaverage. eight home runs put him fourth on ing to stats released on April 30, with 13 of the 17 Cougars who have the team in those categories. "I have a good spot to hit. swung bats this year hitting above Batting behind Wally, Cory and the .300 mark. The Cougars will be depending Eric, there's usually some RBI available because they get on base on all the bats, especially those , good pitching." Joyner said the Cougars are ready for the battle, noting that there is a little extra incentive with the Cats' national ranking and with the disappointing results of last year's playoffs. "Last year we played badly. We all felt we were better than we played," Joyner said of the Cougars' loses in the playoffs in Hawaii. "We're kind of anxious to prove ourselves this year." Scouting Report: Hawaii a Mirror Image of BYU coach Gary pitchers are mirror images of Pullins on Hawaii first baseman Joey Meyer's ability to hit with power: "He can hit it out of any park in the country, BYU's Scott Nielsen. In right-hande-d throwers David Smith (8--2 and 2.90 era), Bruce Walton (8-4.30) and Ross Hay-as(9-3.73) the Rainbows have three intelligent pitchers who make you beat them. BYU baseball Including Yellowstone." On the top of this page today, Daily Herald sportswriter Dorothy Knoell describes BYU baseball team's Fearless Four some or Murderer's Row. There is no question about the Cougars having power and ' pitching this year. They do in ' abundance. But the Cougars' first round opponents in Thursday's opening of the WAC play-- , offs, Hawaii, matches up with ,BYU very well in those two ' '. ' departments. Hey, baseball buffs, this Hawaii team is cut from a different cloth than the 1981 team that came here and lost two 'games in a row to Cougar pitcher Peter Kendrick. That team stressed pitching and defense and speed. . This year's Rainbows stress .' pitching and power. .That 1181 team had pitchers like Bryan Duquette and Scott Robert! who were overpowerthe ing. Roberts Is headed for so now yon major leagues know he was a good one. This year Hawaii's leading move the ball a lot. I recruited his older brother and know a lot about him. He can be a stopper for them. hi 3, I think we have some great matchups. The pitchers and the power. "Meyer is 2 and weighs 260 and he might weigh more than that. He is comprable to Cory 3, They throw a lot of breaking stuff and are not overpowering like the 1981 staff, but they make you hit on the ground a lot. 6-- Marion Dunn Just like BYU's .Scott Nielsen and Mark DeLaTorre. And on the offensive side, Snyder in power. He doesn't have, a lot of speed but he really has power. Last year in Hawaii we didn't hit a home SPORTS EDITOR this Hawaii team hits with power. First baseman Joey Meyer has 14 home runs and outfielder Glenn Briggsll. Now that tells you a lot about the power on this Hawaii team. Be-iw- ?. Cause in 3 f7lV.l mi Joey Meyer other years a Rainbow with 4 homers was getting the ball out of the park a lot. So, with that in mind I went to BYU coach Gary Pullins yesterday and asked him to give a scouting report on the Rainbows. "This is an atypical Hawaii team," Pullins said. "A typical Hawaii team would stress speed and pitching. This year they have power and they have also been an up and down team. "That's scary. If you been' as high as six. They played more games on the mainland this year because of the WAC and that might account for the higher number of home runs, but only partly. "They didn't get to play us last year and that disappointed them because I'm sure they wanted revenge for 1981. And '4 cit-B- rtas catch them when they are down they can be beaten. But if you catch them when they are op, they are hot. "I think they are ranked about 23rd right now, but they have they will have a chance that revenge Thursday. "In Walton, Smith and for Hay-as- hi they have three good righthanders who are pitchers more than throwers. Walton s has kind of a three-fourth- sidearm delivery. Smith has an fastball but he likes to 85 mph run in two games and Meyer hit a couple out for them. "He can hit the ball out of includany park in the country ing Yellowstone. " "Joey attended the same high school as our Dave Mark Beavers, Mark and Mark Matsubara. Inouye Eld-redg- e, "Braggs can hurt you with the long ball. He is batting and 60 rbis. .374 "Greg On- iate is probably the best pure hitter on the team. He has the career home run record for Hawaii's pitchers are like Utah's Ed McCarter. A week from last Saturday at Derks, McCarter lost to us in a 2 game. He pitched against last 3-- Saturday afternoon and you saw what we did to him. "I don't think it is any secret that the scouting report on us is to change pitchers often. UNLV did that when they beat us. Personally, I think onr chances are better In a slugging duel. Scotty knows how to roll with the punches and won't panic if he gives up a few runs. I think we will have a better 'chance of winning in that kind of a game." Okay. Thursday afternoon 4 p.m. to be exact BYU and Hawaii will square off in a first round WAC playoff game. Both teams have the He IS an "When we face pitchers like theirs we have either bombed them or they've beaten us. at school with 23. designated hitter most of the time.This year he has 10 doubles, 6 home runs and is batting .385. He has power." Okay, coach. You match up well on the mound and at the plate. What do you think will happen Thursday? GreiOiliU ' outfielder but has been the smart pitching. Both have power. It should be some kind of ball game. |