Following WVU’s impressive 7-0 shutout of Marshall, Swain, Hagen, and Coach Sabins spoke at the post-game press conference. Read more Post-Game Takeaways: Coach Sabins Speaks on WVU’s Victory.
Recap – The Mountaineers Defeat the Thundering Herd
The Mountaineers took the lead early on, shutting out the Thundering Herd 7-0. For a full game recap, check out this article by staff writer Jake Howard:
Read more WVU baseball returns to winning ways in 7-0 defeat of Marshall
David Hagen – Pitcher
Hagen was one of two players who attended the post-game press conference. He is a right-handed pitcher from Loveland, Ohio. Hagen is in his freshman year, and when asked about why he chose WVU, he had this to say:
“This was always a place that I trusted the coaches and whatever their plan was for me. It was somewhere that I thought I was going to develop a lot. So, having the chance to go out there as early as a freshman and start games is something that just furthers that trust in the coaches and confidence in myself.”
Reflecting on his role so far this season, he said, “I was ready to kind of do whatever they wanted to. But yeah, they told me that they saw me in a starter role, so I kind of was prepared for that.”
Hagen also discussed that he feels confident in WVU’s bullpen, sharing that he can trust his teammates that come in after him to perform well.“We have a really good bullpen, so any guy I feel like that is going to come in after me is going to do well.”
Coach Sabins discussed Hagen’s performance during his time with the media, sharing that Hagen is a special player. “It’s really composure. Handling the moment – that’s what makes him so special.”
Chase Swain – Utility
Swain is a redshirt junior from Elsinboro, N.J. He had an impressive performance in the game against Marshall, having two hits in four at-bats – hitting one homerun and one run.
Swain discussed the adjustments he’s had to make to keep up with the Division 1 level of baseball. Prior to playing for WVU, Swain played for Manhattan. The Manhattan Jaspers are also D-1, but at a smaller level. When asked about his performance and how he stays focused, Swain said,
“I’m not big on looking at my average. I just try to do what’s best for the team and whatever they call upon, whenever they call upon my name to do a job, you know, I try to do that.”
He went on to say that these adjustments have been a little bit of a challenge, but he is working hard to try to be the best baseball player he can be.
Swain’s standout moment at-bat came when he was prepared for a fastball, but the pitcher threw a changeup instead.
“They actually told me to be on the fastball today. Definitely look for a heater, which that wasn’t, that was a changeup. It was kind of just a changeup that popped out of the hand and I kind of just put my nose on it. Although he was a little out front, Swain was lucky enough to catch it with solid contact and send it over the fence.”
Swain spoke highly of first baseman, Grant Hussey. When discussing a fielding play where he threw a tricky ball to Hussey and he was able to make a really nice pick, Swain said “He’s one of the most athletic first basemen in the Big 12, and definitely the most athletic first baseman I’ve ever had to play and throw to.”
Coach Sabins
Coach Sabins started his statement by praising the team’s performance and the progress made throughout the season thus far.
Sabins highlighted Chase Swain’s performance, specifically noting his homerun and how he was proud of Swain for stepping up in the moment.
He also discussed Hagen’s impressive start, emphasizing that he set the tone early.
“He went four innings, one hit, one walk. For a freshman that’s really coming into his own, he’s been fantastic all year, 2.25. A freshman in a big rivalry game, and for him to set the tone was wonderful.”
Sabins was thoroughly impressed with the team’s defensive efforts. He pointed out that communication on the field was helpful to execute plays, maintaining the shutout for all nine innings.
Sabins went into detail about how important trust is to him as a coach. Especially with his pitchers, he expects them to earn trust. How they do that is independent of each player.
“It begins in the Fall, and it begins with every decision that they make. It’s if they show up on time and they go to their tutor appointments and they bring energy every day at practice. After a bad outing, do they come back and answer? Are they good teammates? Do they root for other people? Do they get outs? Do they throw strikes? Do they elevate in big situations, or do they fold? Do they answer the call when the team needs them?”
Looking Ahead
Following this dominant win over Marshall, WVU hopes to continue their season with this momentum going forward. The Mountaineers are performing impressively on the mound and at the plate, showing immense depth. WVU’s next home game is against Pitt in another segment of the Backyard Brawl, on April 2nd at 6:30p.m.
Post-Game Takeaways: Coach Sabins Speaks on WVU’s Victory.
