(23 July 1996; Day 4)
If pitching and defense wins championships, or in this case medals, the Nicaraguan squad has taken a step toward filling in the first part of the equation.
A series of strong performances out of the Nicaraguan staff has Head Coach Darin VAN TASSEEL liking his chances three games into the Olympic baseball competition. "We are pleased to get three outstanding performances like we have," said VAN TASSELL.
The newfound success on the mound has not been a surprise to the Nicaraguan staff. Says Nicaraguan Manager Julio Sanchez REYNOSA of the squads attention to pitching, "We really geared our pre-tournament attention to defense and pitching and it has made a difference...Now we are enjoying the benefits of it."
Through three games, the Nicaraguan staff has allowed just six earned runs for a 2.00 ERA. Only the U.S. staff, which has allowed three earned runs in two games, has a lower staff ERA (1.50) thus far.
In fact, the top two pitching squads met each other in the first game for both squads and produced a pitching duel. Against the powerful U.S. team, a team that averaged over nine runs a game entering the Olympic baseball tournament, Nicaragua came up short on the scoreboard in the potential look at a future medal-round game, but showed that its staff can compete with the best after allowing just four U.S. runs.
Fredy COREA, who came two short of the Olympic strikeout record with 12, followed with a nine-hit, two-run performance against Italy. Jose Luis QUIROZ, considered the most consistent pitcher on the staff, shutdown Korea as Nicaragua moved to 2-1.
"Once again we had outstanding pitching and that has been the key to our success," said VAN TASSELL following the two-run performance received by the Nicaraguans against Korea by starter QUIROZ.
While VAN TASSELL also serves as the pitching coach at Georgia Southern University when not coaching internationally, the Nicaraguan team has benefited from the added experience of former major league pitching standout Luis TIANT, who has served as the pitching coach for the squad since January 1996.
VAN TASSELL credits TIANT for much of the success of the pitching on the Nicaraguan staff as the feats on the mound have started to build additional team confidence with each succeeding game.
"Actually, I think we are not as bad as they think we are," said QUIROZ. "We are now winning and we are going to qualify for the semifinals and get a medal."
Medal hopes aside, Nicaragua still has four games remaining, including a showdown with Cuba, ahead on its schedule before the medal round final four is determined. In the meantime, a recipe of continued strong pitching and defense will be needed down the stretch. With three errors against Korea, it is obvious the medal equation will need some work before it is completely solved.
Says VAN TASSELL, "We still have a lot to accomplish."
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Steven R. Shaff.
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| The volunteer staff of the 1996 Olympic Games totaled 50,152. They worked an estimated 850,000 shifts. |