The Buchtelite

Issue date: 4/26/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jeff Harwell / Zips Sports Photography Doug McNulty leads the Zips in batting average (.333) and ranks in the top five in all offensive categories for the Zips.

A baseball team's third spot in the lineup is often occupied by the most consistent batter. They should have power, speed, high batting average and the ability to perform with runners on base.

The University of Akron's baseball team believes it has found the right man to maintain the third spot.

During the Bowling Green series, coach Pat Bangtson moved first baseman Doug McNulty from fifth to third in the lineup.

A Homer City, Pa. native, McNulty is eager to help the squad with his new position in the batting order, but the three spot is unfamiliar to him.

"I wouldn't say I'm comfortable there. I've never hit there in my whole life," McNulty said. "As good of a RBI guy as Kurt (Davidson) is, we need people on base. I'll do whatever it is the team needs."

McNulty is batting .333 on the season and is tied with Davidson for the team lead.

Along with the high average, he has one home run, 22 runs batted in, eight doubles and 21 runs scored. He ranks within the top five on the team in every major offensive category.

Maybe more impressive than his ability to get on base is his talent on the bases.

This year, McNulty leads the team with seven stolen bases, but doesn't attribute swiping bags to speed.

"With me, it's timing. It's easy if you see the pitcher in a rhythm and not paying attention," the redshirt junior said. "As soon as I get on base, I like to go. Sometimes it's easier on 0-1 or 0-2 counts because the pitcher will probably throw a curveball in the dirt."

McNulty is in his third season with the Zips. In the previous two seasons, McNulty batted a combined .282 with seven homeruns, 15 stolen bases and 48 RBIs.

His power numbers are down a bit, but his average and runs batted in are on pace to surpass last season.

In the offseason, McNulty was having shoulder problems, stating that he could barely throw a ball 25 feet. He attributes much of his improvement at the plate to a shoulder surgery.

"I had shoulder surgery, and somehow my swing got miraculously shorter. I used to have a long swing," McNulty said. "I also simplified my swing working with coach (Brian) Donohew. I'm not thinking as much."

Continued...

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