NKU All-American Derrik Moeves

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - When Derrik Moeves is on the mound for Northern Kentucky University, opponents rarely score an earned run. In some cases, they struggle to even get a baserunner against the junior right-hander.

That’s why Moeves was named Great Lakes Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year as a sophomore. He later earned the North Central Region’s Pitcher of the Year honor and was named third team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association.

A year ago, Moeves posted a 7-4 record and finished with a 1.74 earned run average, which ranked No. 8 nationally in the NCAA Division II statistics. He also recorded a Norse single-season record 102 strikeouts in 2004 and finished No. 14 nationally in the NCAA Division II statistics with 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings.

Opposing hitters batted just .174 against Moeves, who did not allow a home run last season. In 82 2/3 innings on the mound, he surrendered only 49 hits and 16 earned runs.

Given that background, it’s no surprise that Moeves is considered a lock to be taken in the major league draft this summer. Before that takes place, though, Moeves will attempt to lead NKU to its second straight GLVC championship and another berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament.

And with one of the top pitching staffs in the Great Lakes Region, NKU head coach Todd Asalon would like to think his team will challenge for a trip to the NCAA Division II World Series this spring

“We have a very good pitching staff, probably one of the best in the nation,” Asalon said. “Moeves is an outstanding pitcher who dominates. He was overpowering last season, and he does a great job with his off-speed pitches. He became a complete pitcher last season and dominated opposing hitters, and we hope he does the same thing this year.”

NKU posted a 37-25 record last season, and the Norse rolled to their second GLVC Tournament title in the past three years. NKU is the preseason pick by league coaches to repeat as GLVC champion and owns a No. 24 national ranking in the preseason poll.

“Our goal is to win both the GLVC and regional tournaments this year,” Asalon said. “To do that, our players will need to hit in the clutch this season, and we are counting on our pitchers to keep us in games.”

Rick Wood will be a key for NKU in 2005

NKU senior right-hander Rick Wood will join Moeves in the starting rotation. A year ago, Wood finished with a 7-4 record and a 3.23 ERA. He also struck out 44 batters and walked just 16. Newcomer Paul David Patterson, a 6-foot-8 right-hander and a transfer from St. Catharine College, is also expected to make a major impact this season in the starting rotation. Sophomore right-hander Matt Marksbury, who posted a 2-1 record with a 2.79 ERA last year, figures to also be in the rotation.

“Wood has great command of his pitches, and he will be a key this season,” Asalon said. “Patterson throws the ball very hard, in the 90-91 miles per hour range, and he is going to help us immediately. Marksbury has a great arm and did a nice job last season.”

Senior closer Justin Seiter anchors the NKU bullpen, and he is one of the nation’s top relief pitchers. A year ago, Seiter was 5-2 with a 0.75 ERA and nine saves. He was also named first team All-GLVC and All-North Central Region for his efforts.

“Justin shortens the game for us, because when we get it to the sixth or seventh inning, he is automatic out of the bullpen,” Asalon said. “He is a hard thrower who does a great job as the closer, and he really had a great junior season.”

Junior reliever Steve Thomas is an experienced pitcher who will be a key in the bullpen. Asalon said newcomers Kevin Quick, Nathan Jones, Justin Barr and Kenny Barnett will also challenge for time on the mound this season.

While pitching will be NKU’s strength, the Norse also return several talented offensive performers. Senior left fielder Keith Jackson batted .288 with two home runs, 33 runs batted in and 20 doubles last season, and he could emerge as one of the top players in the GLVC. Jackson, who could bat in the leadoff spot this season, also led NKU with 62 total hits, and he picked up 15 stolen bases in 20 attempts.

Also back is senior center fielder Alex Frank, who batted .290 with three home runs and 12 doubles a year ago.

“Jackson gives us speed and experience in the lineup, and Frank is a good hitter with a great arm in the outfield,” Asalon said.

Conor McGeehan is NKU’s starting catcher

Josh Moulton, Jim Volpe and Jason Nintrup will challenge for the starting position in right field. Asalon said all three players will get a chance to contribute this season.

Conor McGeehan returns behind the plate for NKU after batting .257 with four home runs last season. McGeehan also added 12 doubles and 24 RBI, and he provided the Norse with solid defense.

“Conor does it all defensively,” said Asalon, a former All-Region catcher during his playing days at NKU. “He stops the ball, blocks the plate well, and he is becoming a good hitter as well. He also has a great arm behind the plate.”

Drew Rushing and Joe Kendall will compete for playing time as McGeehan’s backup. Randy Siciliano will add depth at catcher.

Sophomore Matt Wagers will be back for his second season as the team’s starting shortstop. Wagers led NKU with 152 assists as a freshman and he added 19 RBI on offense.

“Matt is very steady, and he always makes the routine plays for us,” Asalon said. “He had some very big hits last season, and he is coming into his own.”

Nick D’Ippolito and Brad Meyer will fill the role of designated hitter for NKU. D’Ippolito sat out as a redshirt last season and could provide power in the Norse lineup. Greg Pass is another versatile player who could make an impact this year.

Three newcomers - Jon Back, Kory Lonergan and Matt Jones - will likely claim starting infield positions. Back, a good defensive player and fast runner, is expected to start at second base. Lonergan, who sat out as a redshirt last season, figures to be at third base. Jones, who played at Cumberland (Ky.) for two seasons, should start at first base.

“Back can fly on the bases, and he is a good defensive player,” Asalon said. “Jones was an All-Conference player at Cumberland. He is the kind of hitter who will put the ball in play and find the gaps. Lonergan has a great arm and will help us.”

NKU opens the season Feb. 12 against Tusculum (Tenn.). The GLVC Tournament will be held in May at O’Fallon, Mo.