Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Ace Desomma settles down, puts faith in 'Canes defense

By DEREK LaRIVIERE
Published March 23, 2006

INVERNESS - Derek Desomma is not an imposing young man.

With his skinny frame and average height, Desomma does not look like the type of pitcher who can constantly blow people away and dominate a game, but that is exactly what he does.

Just ask Belleview.

Earlier this season, the Rattlers tried time and time again to reach against the ace, but their efforts were futile. Desomma came through with his best outing of the season. He finished off the complete-game victory with 11 strikeouts and no walks in six innings pitched.

Eleven strikeouts and no walks - that is the biggest difference between the Desomma from this season vs. the Desomma from last. Both the senior and coach Jon Bolin refer to Desomma's advanced maturity as the reason for his success.

"I have one of the best defenses around behind me every time I take the mound," Desomma said. "It would be a shame if I didn't take advantage of it, especially as I tire and my pitch count gets high."

A varsity player since his sophomore year, Desomma has always been a talented player. On the hill, he used to try to strike everyone out, causing him to lose control of his pitches in later innings. Now, as the game goes on, he shows far more confidence in his defense.

"Derek's not afraid to throw strikes," Bolin said. "He used to get a little wild late in games, but you can tell that he's matured a lot."

This past offseason, Desomma refocused himself toward being the best he could in the sport he loves. He lost a lot of weight, running almost every day to get into playing shape. He also concentrated almost all of his attention toward becoming more accomplished on the mound.

"He wants to be a better pitcher now," Bolin said. "Up until this season, he spent a lot of time wanting to hit more and play other positions, but now he's really taking pride in making himself better at his best part of the game."

That fine-tuning has catapulted Desomma into an exciting place for the Hurricanes.

As the ace, he starts all of the big games. Currently he is 2-2, but the real evidence of his success is in his other stats. He has an 8-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He also sports a 2.70 ERA and has completed two of the four games he has started.

"The only stat I really care about it the walks," Desomma said. "If I keep those down, I know I'll be all right."

Desomma is not opposed to doing anything necessary to contribute to winning a game. Earlier this season, when Citrus' other starter, Joey Budnick, got into some trouble, Desomma entered the game to record the save.

The most interesting note on Desomma may be his wealth of pitches. A high school senior that throws four pitches is a rarity, and he credits himself with throwing a fastball, change up, curve and knuckleball. Crystal River, Lecanto and the other Class 4A, District 6 programs will have to come prepared.

Bolin and the defending district champion Hurricanes are again armed for the stretch run thanks to the intimidating presence of Desomma. Granted, he may not be physically menacing, but just wait and watch the strikeouts and victories pile up.

[Last modified March 23, 2006, 02:15:42]