Lights Out, Trever Vermeulen

by Kolbe Nelson
May 09, 2011 6:23 PM


To the SDSU Jackrabbits, seven is the magic number.

"Our goal as a pitching staff is to get seven innings," SDSU Baseball Head Coach Ritchie Price says, "Find a way to get through seven innings and then let's get the ball to Trever and let him take over from there."

That Trever is SDSU Closer Trever Vermeulen, a man who has earned the confidence and respect of his team because of what he does when the Jacks get to that seven inning mark with a lead.

"You're pretty much gonna get six straight outs," Jackrabbit Centerfielder Billy Stitz says, "Whether he's pitching the 8th and 9th or just the 9th inning."

And Vermeulen thrives on the fact that his team knows that.

"It gives me a lot of confidence knowing my team's behind me all the way and my coaching staff's behind me." Vermeulen says, "And it's something that I strive to do everyday so getting the ball is just a plus."

What's more, the Mitchell native's talents do more than just win games, it gives the rest of the pitching staff a break.

"When we can shorten the game like that it helps the staff," Price says, "And there's no doubt that you can look at his stats and he's as dominate as any closer in America."

In 20 appearances this season, the senior has picked up eight saves, has an ERA of 2.54, and has fanned 45 batters. Those numbers have his coach thinking Vermeulen can take his baseball career to the next level.

"Could pitch in the major leagues," Price says, "In my opinion, if he gets put in the right situation to succeed."

Vermeulen doesn't think much about that though.

"It's just all about this season," Vermeulen says, "All about these guys and all about this team."

So the Jacks will keep working to make it seven innings, so Vermeulen can slam the door shut from there.

Follow KDLT Weekend Sports Anchor Kolbe Nelson on Twitter at @KolbeNelson