Patten more patient at the plate
NEWARK, Del. — Slugging University of Delaware first baseman Nick Patten doesn't always swing a big stick.
Sometimes he watches others do it.
The Butler resident and Blue Hen sophomore is leading Delaware in walks this season. He's also hitting in the middle of the lineup, is tied for the team lead with nine home runs and paces the squad with 43 runs scored.
“Everyone in this lineup from top to bottom can hit the ball,” Patten said. “It's fun just being a part of that. The important thing is to get on base when you can.
“Somebody is going to do the damage.”
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Patten is certainly doing his share of it.
He enters play this weekend batting .287 with 10 doubles and 33 RBI to go with his nine home runs. As a freshman last season, Patten belted 12 homers while hitting .285.
“Teams have been pitching me differently this year,” Patten said. “I was getting a lot of fastballs to hit a year ago, good pitches to hit.
“Now I'm seeing a lot more off-speed stuff. I'm getting pitched around quite a bit.”
To read more on this story, pick up Friday's edition of the Butler Eagle or subscribe to ButlerEagle.com.
