Strong pitching has ’Wolves in first place

FLORENCE — First place in the Coastal Plain League’s Southern Division is not really that surprising to the Florence RedWolves.
What is surprising is the route the team has taken to get there in the early going. The RedWolves have rode their pitching to a 5-1 start.
A major key to the success of the pitching staff is the ability of its starters to go deep into games. Florence’s starters are averaging nearly six innings per start this season.
“We’ve been throwing a lot of strikes. We’ve been challenging the hitters,” said pitcher Rob Kumbatovic, who tossed a complete-game shutout Friday night against Wilson. “We haven’t been afraid to come inside.”
“We’ve gotten a good start from our starting pitching. The bullpen always stays fresh when you can get that,” coach Wes Davis said. “If your starters only go three innings, that means your bullpen has to pick up the last six innings.”
Kumbatovic, Steve Grife and Andre Benjamin have all had solid starts. When Grife was unable to pitch due to a sore shoulder Thursday night, Barrett Kleinknecht made a spot start and one-hit Fayetteville over five innings.
“The pitchers are getting quick at-bats, quick innings and not too many deep counts,” Florence pitching coach J.T. Severe said. “As a coach, we love that because we don’t have to go to the bullpen as much.”
When Davis and Severe do call on the bullpen, they get a well-rested unit led by Jeremy Berg and Tio McLean.
Berg has been spectacular in his first three appearances out of the bullpen, allowing no runs on three hits in six innings with eight strikeouts and no walks. The side-armer attributes his success to hard work and throwing on off days.
“I’m used to throwing a lot. I had 29 appearances this season (at High Point),” he said. “I like to do a heavy workout during the season. I lift weights and I run a lot.”
Dillon native and Florence-Darlington Tech pitcher L.A. Owens has also contributed out of the pen, allowing one run in three innings pitched in Thursday’s win over the SwampDogs.
No more cheap homers
Last season, Legion Field was known as the best hitters’ park in the CPL, especially in right field where the ball easily flew over the short wall.
Not this year, though. The wall in right has been extended by 15 feet, and that has made a huge difference.
No homers have been hit to right field in Florence’s first four games. What would have been a long home run in 2007 has been reduced to a double, or even a long single, in 2008.
“I didn’t play here last year, but I heard the ball used to fly out in right field,” Kumbatovic said. “But it’s good to have the wall here, because if you do make a mistake, you won’t give up a cheap home run.”
“If a power-hitting lefty is at the plate, the wall is going to give our pitchers more confidence,” Severe said.
’Wolves moving on
Despite not having any current Florence players drafted in this year’s MLB draft, 10 former RedWolves were taken.
Heading the class was Coastal Carolina’s Dock Doyle, who would have been on this year’s squad. The Chanticleers’ catcher was taken in the fifth round by the New York Mets.
2006 RedWolves David Sappelt, Phil Disher and Tyler Barnett went in the ninth, 15th and 21st rounds, respectively. Three members of the 2005 team were also drafted in Clemson’s Doug Hogan, The Citadel’s Chris Swauger and College of Charleston’s Michael Kohn.
Francis Marion’s David Walters and Lubbock Christian’s Chris Holguin were pitchers on last year’s team that were taken in this year’s draft.
Central Arizona JC pitcher Chandler Griffin was taken in the 42nd round by the Los Angeles Angels, but will join the RedWolves on Monday.