Bottom Line: Diamonds still shine with local players in college, pro ranks
Several of my recent columns have focused on the University of South Carolina Aiken and Augusta State University baseball teams, but with Columbia County players continuing to shine on the college diamond, some more recognition is due.
Greenbrier High School product Bradley Key was named Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week for his play March 1-7.
During that span, Key sparked USC Aiken with a .452 batting average, a home run and nine RBI. Over eight games, Key was 14 for 31 with a .742 slugging percentage, including four doubles.
For the season, Key leads the Pacers with a .360 batting average, and he also is tops on the team in doubles (eight), triples (four) and hits (31). Also, he is second in homers (three) and RBI (19).
The teammate Key trails in home runs and RBI was also his teammate at Greenbrier - Robert Davis is batting .333 with four home runs and 20 RBI.
No support for Dunham
Steve Dunham probably shouldn't buy any lottery tickets any time soon.
The former Evans High School pitcher might be the unluckiest college hurler in the country.
In seven starts this season with USC Aiken, Dunham has compiled an impressive 2.83 earned-run average, and has recorded 44 strikeouts in 47 innings pitched.
Unfortunately, Dunham has received no run support from the Pacers, and was stuck with an 0-6 record.
Jaguars piling up wins
The Augusta State baseball team has reeled off 15 straight wins, which improved the Jaguars to 20-3 overall and lifted the squad to the No. 12 ranking in the recent Division II poll.
ASU is on pace for the best record in school history, and Columbia County players Justin Walker, David Steflik and Preston Crews have helped fuel the Jags' run.
Walker, who starred at Evans, was off to a 4-1 start on the mound, with a 1.80 ERA in six appearances for ASU.
Steflik, also an Evans product, has pitched in five games. The right-hander has worked mostly in spot relief roles, but he boasts a 1.93 ERA.
Crews, a Lakeside High graduate, has appeared in 12 games, and has posted a solid .364 batting average by going eight for 22 at the plate.
Hot spring for Greene
In five spring training games with the Colorado Rockies, Todd Greene is hitting .357, and is second in the team with two home runs and five RBI.
The former Evans High star has a guaranteed one-year deal with Colorado, so he doesn't have to worry about making the Rockies' roster, but his hot start undoubtedly has impressed Colorado's front office.
Look for Greene to have a big 2004 in the major leagues.