Clubb, Hicks throw their best

Two pitchers threw in the longest outing of their careers.

By Evan Glantz

Published April 17, 2009

For much of the season, freshman Ryan Clubb and senior Scooter Hicks have been integral parts in one of the baseball team's most effective weapons, "Johnny Wholestaff," where each pitcher only plays for one or two innings.

On Tuesday, both pitchers stepped up, possibly auditioning for longer outings in the future.

"They pitched great," coach Tim Jamieson said. "I think there weren't very many good swings from Indiana State off those guys. I thought both guys did a good job of competing and doing what we needed them to do because the game was in balance until the sixth or seventh inning."

Clubb got the start for the Tigers. It was the first start of his collegiate career, and he turned in a beauty. The freshman went four and two-thirds of an inning, his longest appearance of the year, and allowed only one hit, struck out one and walked three.

"I've started ever since I was a little kid, so I definitely looked forward to this," he said. "I was definitely nervous, just because it was my first colligate start and I've been working towards this for a long time. But it was a lot of fun. I went out there and just threw like I knew how to throw."

Jamieson also took note of the outing.

"He has been the most consistent guy in Johnny Wholestaff," Jamieson said. "He has shown constant improvement each time out, a little bit better, a little more confident. It was an easy decision. He's pitched the best of those guys."

Throughout the year, Jamieson has toyed around with the lineup and rotation in hopes of finding some consistency. The games pitched by Johnny Wholestaff serve as an audition for the pitchers as Jamieson seeks to improve the team. After his performance Tuesday, Clubb positioned himself for more work as the season goes on.

"We're not really changing our approach as much as we might be changing out a starting pitcher," Jamieson said. "So that's an audition for him. Let him have a chance to be the guy and possibly beating out one of their teammates."

Clubb knows what is at stake when he goes out to pitch, even for just an inning. He used his latest outing to show that he is ready to tackle any assignment.

"If I go out there and get the job done like I'm supposed to, then hopefully (the coaches) take notice. I know for a fact that (Jamieson) takes note of it, so that's a definite plus," Clubb said.

Hicks is a different case. Fifth on the Tigers' all-time saves list, the senior has been a relief pitcher his entire career at MU. It seems unlikely that Jamieson would change his role now. However, Missouri's closer had nothing but praise for Clubb.

"Nine different dudes, you get to see who's got what, and kind of mix and match the right combination," Hicks said. "As you can see, Clubby has been throwing really, really well, especially in those staff games. But he has definitely been auditioning well, and he earned it tonight. He set the tone for the game, no doubt about that."