Patrick Mazeika drove eight hours from the Cape on Friday to make his first start of the season for Waynesboro Friday night. The arrival of the 6’3”, 210-pounder couldn’t come at a better time for the Generals, who have struggled mightily at the three spots in the lineup that Mazeika is likely to split time at – first base, catcher and designated hitter.
The Stetson freshman is fresh off being named a Freshman All-America by both Louisville Slugger and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association after hitting .382 with three homers, 33 RBI and a .488 on-base percentage.
Generals hitters at those three spots have combined to hit a combined .181 with a .299 on-base percentage.
“That’s one-third of our lineup. No wonder we are struggling,” said David Gauldin, the director of baseball operations in Waynesboro, the two-time defending South Division champions, now mired in fourth place, five and a half games behind first-place Harrisonburg.
Tonight’s game at Harrisonburg marks the halfway point in the 2013 Valley League season for the Generals. With the July 4 holiday and the All-Star break just around the corner, it’s moving time, according to Gauldin.
“Fans want us to improve and win. They expect it. So do I,” said Gauldin.
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