The baseball team devoured the opposing teams' pitchers this weekend, scoring double digits in each of its four victories against Princeton and Cornell. Infielder Ryan Zrenda '11 led the way, hitting two mammoth home runs and notching seven RBI. Earlier in the week, Zrenda mashed three home runs in one day during a doubleheader against Siena. For his impressive performance at the plate — along with some dazzling defense around the infield — The Herald has named Zrenda Athlete of the Week.
Herald: You guys exploded on offense this weekend, scoring 58 runs in four games. How'd that feel?
Zrenda: Great. It was good to see our offense come out the way that it did and get the sweep.
You already have seven home runs on the year, after hitting two all of last year. What's been the difference in terms of power?
I feel like this year I'm seeing the ball pretty well overall. Last week I had a good week — I strung a few good at-bats together. It felt good.
Last week, you came in for some mop-up pitching duty against Siena. You were a dominant pitcher in high school. Was this your first time pitching in college?
Yeah, it was. I was going to pitch a little last year, but I never got the opportunity. I always throw during practice, and I enjoy pitching. Whenever I get an opportunity to throw, I try to take advantage of it.
What are you studying at Brown?
History.
Do you see yourself doing something history-related after college, or do you still want to be involved in baseball?
I hope to play as long as I can. If that doesn't work out, I'd like to coach. I definitely see myself coaching after school.
What is your favorite memory from Brown, baseball-related or not?
That's a tough question. I think times like Christmas, when we have the whole team together. We do Secret Santa — any of the holiday parties that we have as a team. It's just great to get everybody together.
What's the team's ultimate goal this season?
Win the league. We're in good shape right now — we're two games up in our division. If we win our league, we get back in the regional like we did two years ago. That's been our goal from day one.
Finally, anything you want to tell The Herald's readership, maybe something to get them to show up en masse to your games?
Well, we're in first place. If the weather's nice, it's great to see people come out. I know it's hard when it's cold to get people motivated. But lately it's been warm out, and we're in first. I hope people realize that and come out to support us.
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