The Millikin baseball team has struggled in their opening conference games.
The Big Blue started the season with a winning record of 10-8 before conference games began. Since then, they have gone 2-5 and currently sit at last place in the College Conference of Illinois (CCIW). Last season, the team shared the regular season title and won the CCIW tournament, advancing to the NCAA tournament. Since the 2021 season, the team has either won conference or ended in the top 3.
This year, the team’s slow start should not yet be cause for concern. With only 7 of the 20 conference games completed, they still have over half of their conference games left to improve. Additionally, two different games have been postponed due to harsh weather conditions, allowing the team to regroup and improve after already playing those teams once.
Returning outfielder Kolby Koslofski commented on how the team’s focus has shifted.
“As we approach the rest of the conference schedule, we have been trying to focus more on the present moments rather than the outcomes. It can be easy to think about the results of games and not focus on the current task at hand. We have bounced back to the mindset of ‘one pitch at a time’ and ‘one at bat at a time.’
“Preparing physically for a game is only one part of the process, but making sure we are also prepared mentally for all situations is critical for our success.”
Many returning players remember the feeling of winning conference last year.
“We have four words posted on our locker room door,” Koslofski said. “‘Pressure is a Privilege.’ Preparing in practice for game situations will help us perform in big moments. Running to these pressure situations with a positive and confident attitude will continue to help our team compete and win ball games.”
The team comes off of a 1-2 weekend against Augustana College. On Saturday, April 5th, they had a doubleheader against the Vikings, where they lost both games. The next day, the team rallied and found success, winning 11-3. The win was led by seniors Liam McGill and Tyler Gade, with both recording 2 RBI’s, Gade having 3 hits, and McGill going 4 for 5 from the plate.
Senior Danny Lack is focused on finishing his baseball career strong.
“As a senior, I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well since it was my last semester,” Lack said.
He and Koslofski are both involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes on campus, and they believe that helps them fight battles on and off the field.
“Now, I think my attitude has switched to focusing on how I can improve as a leader and Christ follower. I still absolutely want to succeed, but I know my character and how I handle failure on the field will carry forth throughout my life,” Lack said.
There has been some light at the tunnel, though.
The Big Blue dominated a two-game set against North Central on Saturday, winning game one 17-7 in seven innings and winning the second game 11-3. The team will go for the sweep this afternoon against their Naperville rival and get over .500 to carry their momentum into the rest of their season.
