Eichmann was in top form in 2011

Updated: July 12, 2011 1:46PM

Every time Joe Eichmann stepped on the mound, he knew the eight fielders behind him always had his back.

The Libertyville High School pitcher put together a strong senior campaign in 2011 by winning six of nine decisions with an ERA of 2.18. In 62 innings of work, Eichmann allowed 56 hits and 28 walks while striking out 69.

“Being on varsity for three years taught me how to pitch and not just throw,” Eichmann said. “Our defense played really well behind me, so I had confidence they would make the plays.”

Leading the defensive charge was the speedy outfield of Trevor Freberg (left), Nick Coutre (center) and Joey Ruppert (right).

“They all got great reads on every ball,” Eichmann said. “They were all really fast. It seems like every ball hit to the outfield was caught by those guys.”

Eichmann could also lean on the infield excellence of AJ Schurr (shortstop) and Anthony Mack (second base).

“AJ and Anthony were strong up the middle,” Eichmann confirmed. “I knew I didn’t have to be so fine with my pitches when everyone made plays.”

Eichmann had superb command of his fastball, slider and split-finger fastball. He also had a penchant for collecting strike one.

“The biggest thing Joey improved upon was his consistency of getting ahead of the hitters,” said Wildcats coach Jim Schurr. “He used to go 3-1 and 3-2 on everybody.”

Schurr also believes a change in his breaking ball made Eichmann more effective.

“He went from a traditional curveball to a cutter or slider,” Schurr said. “His split-finger fastball became more effective, too.”

The next stop for Eichmann is Purdue University. He can’t wait to compete in the Big Ten.

“I really like the school, and the coaches are great guys,” said Eichmann, aware the Boilermakers tied a school record with 37 wins (against 20 losses). “It’s a great place to spend the next four years.”

The igniter: The Wildcat offense began to fire up in the second half of the season. One key ingredient was the work of leadoff hitter Nick Coutre.

After sliding into the leadoff spot early in the season, Coutre hit .346 with 15 doubles, one triple, three homers and 18 RBI. He had an on-base percentage of .453, which helped him lead the team in runs scored (31).

“Nick had a great offensive year for us,” Schurr said. “Nick took on the leadoff role and did a great job.”

The other top hitters included Schurr (.390, 6 doubles, 3 homers, 20 RBI) and Eichmann (.312, 6 doubles, 2 homers, 29 RBI).

Getting healthy: Right-hander Davis Ogilvie threw only eight innings in the spring before an injury forced him off the mound.

As the summer cranks up, Ogilvie has found his groove. During an American Legion game on Saturday, Ogilvie struck out 12 batters and touched 90 on the radar gun.

“Davis is coming back to form,” said Schurr.

Ogilvie plans to continue his baseball career at Lawrence University.

Key returner: Darwin Townsend figures to be next year’s ace. He was 4-4 with a 3.00 ERA in 2011. Townsend can also strike people out, as he fanned 55 in 51 2/3 innings.

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