Through the first two weeks of the season, the 6-foot-4 righthander with a fastball clocked in the mid-80s had a 2-0 record with one save, giving up just one hit and no earned runs.

 

Q How long have you been a pitcher?

A I started when I was 10 years old. My coach saw that I threw pretty hard and said I might as well be a pitcher. I ended up loving it.

 

Q What is the secret to your early success?

A Throw strikes and change locations. I try to go inside-outside or high-low. And we have a great catcher. Everything works together. And a little luck with the umpires.

 

Q What pitches do you throw?

A I throw a four-seam fastball, a two-seam fastball, a changeup, a curveball and a cutter.

 

Q What is your “out” pitch?

A Probably my cutter. It’s a lot like a slider in that it tails away.

 

Q What type of mental approach does a pitcher need to be successful?

A You need to have that bulldog mentality. You need to feel that you can get everybody out. And you need to have faith in the defense behind you.

 

Q College plans?

A I’m going to pitch at Midland University. It’s in a small town outside Omaha called Fremont. It’s about 26,000 people and it reminded me a lot of Stillwater. I took a visit there and loved everything about the place.

 

Q What is one thing about baseball that makes it special?

A I love the pop of the mitt when a ball hits it. I can hear that sound so vividly. Only baseball players can appreciate that.

Jim Paulsen