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The Indiana Daily Student

sports baseball

Arnett posts surprising start from the mound

Junior pitcher Eric Arnett releases a throw during the third inning of a game against Xaver March 26, 2008 at Sembower field. The Hoosiers came from behind to win the game 10-4.

With a career ERA of 5.78 and six total wins, IU junior pitcher Eric Arnett entered the 2009 season near the bottom of most scouting reports.

Things have changed.

By means of a dominant fastball and slider, the Pataskala, Ohio, native has quietly transformed into one of the most feared pitchers in the Big Ten. Arnett currently leads the Hoosiers in wins (4-1), ERA (2.57), strikeouts (35) and innings pitched (35).

The right-hander credits a change in mentality for this recent success.

“I approach everything a little different,” said Arnett, who will start Sunday against Minnesota. “This year I have settled in a little more. I worked on my breaking ball the most and have really been going after hitters.”

While the rest of the Hoosiers spent the off-season hitting line drives and snagging fly balls, Arnett’s off-season training was anything but conventional.

Earlier in the fall, IU coach Tracy Smith ran into IU basketball coach Tom Crean at a tournament in Bedford and mentioned the size and ability of Arnett.

After trying out for the team with six other players, Arnett was the only one selected to become a full-time practice player. Fellow IU baseball teammate Kipp Schutz later joined Arnett on the basketball court.

“I knew they were lacking in size and I said, ‘I have a guy that might help you,’” Smith said of Arnett’s 6-foot-5 stature. “He definitely came back a different guy (after basketball). I think it helped him focus and realize that it really comes down to being confident in your abilities.”

IU junior catcher Josh Phegley said Arnett’s attitude is the biggest difference from his first two years with the Hoosiers.

“I see more confidence in his stuff out there on the mound,” Phegley said. “He goes out there everyday knowing that he is good enough to beat the hitters we face. His fastball has a lot of movement and is thrown extremely hard.”

One aspect that might have helped Arnett has been the lack of attention from opposing teams. With IU junior pitcher Matt Bashore – a 2008 First-team All-Big Ten – garnered most of the spotlight early on, Arnett felt more relaxed on the mound.

“It takes a lot of the pressure off of him to perform,” Phegley said. “Not a lot of talk about him, so he is just going to go out there and throw his game. It is paying off for him.”

Despite the dramatic change in pitching statistics, Smith said he is not surprised by Arnett’s breakout season.

“He is fun to coach because he is very willing to listen and works hard,” Smith said. “At the end of the season, I am expecting that he will have pretty good numbers and be one of the guys we lean on.”

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