Analysis: Stagg's Clark One to Watch

Brad Clark has started his final season with the Stagg baseball team in style.

He pitched five innings of two-hit ball in the Chargers' 8-2 victory over Shepard on Tuesday. He struck out 10. And that's not all.

At the plate, he went 1-for-3 with three runs scored. He singled, walked, reached on a fielder's choice and flew out to right.

"Last year, as a junior, he didn't pitch as much because of a shoulder injury, but by the end of the year, he helped us get to the conference title," Stagg coach Matt O'Neill said. "He won the game that gave us the conference championship."

After most of a season without pitching, Clark still shows some extraordinary maturity.

"He's at the point now where he doesn't have to strike anybody out," O'Neill said. "He's around the zone, and he's just going after guys. He was keeping the ball low in the zone. He's the ace of our staff, and he's going to do some good things for us this year."

Clark's poise on the mound has earned him respect from opposing coaches.

"He's a really good pitcher," Shepard coach Frank DiFoggio said. "He has a nice fastball and throws the slider. When it's cold and your fastball is working, you can just dominate, and that is exactly what he did. He hit his spots."

"I just didn't worry about the weather," Clark said. "I know when it's cold people have a hard time hitting. I just took advantage of that. I was throwing good, and I made do with what I had. I think our pitching will be good and will get us a long way."

Clark wants to go a long way with his baseball career, too. But, for now, he is undecided on his college plans. He is considering multiple offers.

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