The Oswego State baseball team has taken its talents to another level this season. With a 19-2 record and the No. 22 ranking according to D3baseball.com, the Lakers have steamrolled their way to the top of the SUNYAC West division holding an 12-1 conference record. They currently edge SUNY Cortland for the best overall record in the conference. While their wins column speaks volumes, so do their stats at the plate. 

Hitting at a combined .353 average, the Lakers are only second behind SUNY Cortland (.367) who have played five more games through May 6. With their fourth straight SUNYAC Championship on the horizon, head coach Scott Landers has a title in his sights but stresses focus.

“We cannot falter here or there,” Landers said. “We have to go play.”

Short spoken, but that is all there is to know about Landers and the drive of the team in which he leads. After four games this week the team has just two more this weekend against Plattsburgh State.  

One issue that Oswego State has is errors on the defensive end. The Lakers have made 28 errors in 22 games and while it has not hurt them in the end result, moving forward it may prove to be an issue. Landers has been pleased with his gloves on the field as of late, as well as the improved pitching and hitting as he attributes that success to the repetitions his team is getting.

“I think playing more and more and getting more acclimated to the speed of the game that we lacked for a year [was important],” Landers said. “Just getting out there and getting back at it. I think there are a lot of things that go into that. We are getting there in all three aspects of the game.”

Staying locked in and not making mistakes is imperative down the stretch, especially with the SUNYAC Tournament beginning next week. Junior first baseman Ryan Weiss, who is certainly locked in at the plate with an on base percentage of .513, knows that winning in the back half of the season is vital for the confidence of the team entering postseason play.

“Late season wins are definitely really important,” Weiss said. “Especially for momentum going into the tournament and regionals, they are what is going to keep our confidence rolling into the playoffs.”

Taking that mindset as one of the best hitters and leaders on this team has played a big role in his improvement this year. Weiss’ success could not have come at a better time for this hot Laker squad and Landers has taken notice.

“I think he has been making strides throughout the year just like the rest of our guys,” Landers said. “I think he can hit better than what he has just like the rest of them. He is doing a good job, and I expect a lot out of our top five hitters, him included. He has got to do what he has got to do, and I think his success rate now is [because] he is using more barrels and going to the opposite field more.”

Weiss thinks his game plan has changed slightly as he has found himself going to the opposite field more than normal. He said finding the barrel on the outside of the plate is what he has worked on the most, and while that has helped him at the plate, it is not the only adjustment he will look to make this season.

“I like where my swing is at right now, but I think I could also be a little bit more aggressive at the plate,” Weiss said. “I am striking out a bit too much so I think not being as passive and attacking early fastballs is my biggest adjustment going forwards.”

Even though players like Weiss have been hitting so well, Landers wants to try and use his incredibly deep lineup as often as he can by dipping into his roster for pinch hitters. The Lakers pinch hit 13 batters in game one of the matchup against SUNY Fredonia last Saturday in their 17-6 routing. 

Some may say it was to give the starters a rest as the game was out of hand by the second inning, but Landers looks at it as an opportunity for the underclassmen to showcase their talents and make their case for a future spot on the lineup card.

“It gives other guys chances to play,” Landers said. “We always talk about how it does not matter when or where you are in the game, every [at-bat] is important. You are playing for something. You are competing. Not just against the other team, but against the game and trying to win a spot for more playing time. [Underclassmen] come here and know what their role is, but they also know what our goals are so they just want to do whatever they can to succeed.”

Will Rogers | The Oswegonian