By MATT KOPSEA

South Bend Tribune

 

There's nothing fancy about Jacob Brewer's pitching philosophy.

"I just try to keep the ball where they can hit it," said the St. Joseph's High senior right-hander. "I'm not trying to overpower guys too much. I'm just working on trying to hit my spots and rely on my defense to help me out. I now realize I don't have to carry the load all by myself when I'm out there.''

A first-team Northern Indiana Conference selection a year ago, Brewer has helped the Indians (6-0) get off to a strong start with a 2-0 record, a 2.12 ERA, and 16 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched.

His approach has gone a long way in helping Brewer earn a scholarship to pitch at Ball State.

In 2009, Brewer was 3-2 with a 2.80 ERA.

"I believe my fastball became more consistent this year," Brewer said after a recent game. "I now believe I have more command and confidence throwing it, along with my off-speed and the slider that I've added to my pitching arsenal this year. Ball State told me that (slider) would be a good pitch to add, and so far, it's been very successful for me.''

Brewer also swings a pretty mean stick with a .471 batting average and nine RBIs. Last year, he hit .316 with 17 RBIs.

"I just know that I have to bear down when I'm up there," Brewer said. "(St. Joe) Coach (John) Gumpf is always telling me to hit the ball on the ground because good things happen. I'm just really trying to focus on hitting the ball hard somewhere and not worrying about hitting it out of the ball park."

Having worked with him the last three years, St. Joe pitching coach Brian Blondell believes Jake has what it takes to pitch at the next level.

"Jake's a competitor," Blondell said. "When it comes right down to it, he wants the ball in his hands, no matter who he is facing. He has confidence in whatever pitch he throws at anytime and whatever the count is.

"I think his competitive nature is what has made him an effective pitcher and a leader for us. He always had a good fastball and a very, very good changeup. Adding a slider now has made him even more effective. ... He now gives the hitter one more look to have to be ready for."

 

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