Mitchell's influence evident with Stewarts Creek pitching staff
Cecil JoyceStewarts Creek pitching coach Charlie Mitchell took a quick visit to the mound during the team's second game against Jefferson County Thursday.
So quick there wasn't even an out recorded yet in the top of the first inning in a game the Red Hawks had to win to advance to the state championship.
Basically what you had was a former Major League pitcher calming down a high school team's No. 5 or 6 pitcher in the biggest game the program had ever played.
Just another day at the office, right?
"He's the pitcher whisperer - he works magic," said Stewarts Creek junior pitcher Aaron Moriarty. "Since my freshman year he's been my mentor. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am."
Where Moriarty was Thursday was an unusual position, pitching in the program's most defining game to date.
With the team's top three starters (Austin Steel, Maddox Vondohlen, Daniel Freeman) and top reliever (Will Duffee) all having been spent and the next in line (Brandon Rooney) sick, the seldom-used Moriarty was thrust into the opportunity to be hero.
He answered with a complete-game five-hitter, striking out eight in an 11-1 Red Hawks win that put them into the AAA state championship game, played Friday against MTSU against Brentwood.
It started a little rocky, however, as Moriarty loaded the bases with no outs, prompting the mound visit by Mitchell.
"I was a little nervous...I just had to realize this could be my moment," said Moriarty. "Luckily it turned out that way. It could have gone bad."
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Mitchell has had basically full control of the SCHS pitching staff since he joined Coach Mike Bartlett's staff when the program began.
The results have been evident during the team's state tournament run the past two seasons.
"All of the guys have been consistent," said Mitchell. "I'm just happy for them. In a short tournament like this and the (new TSSAA) pitch count, you can try and save your pitching or you can try to win games."
Mitchell said Moriarty is more of an ace in waiting than someone used merely out of desperation.
"In my mind, he could be tied with the other four," said Mitchell, who pitched for the Boston Red Sox for a short stint during the early 1980s. "He can be better than even he was today. He just needs experience in games. He has really good stuff."
Bartlett credits Mitchell for much of the staff's success, particularly with younger hurlers like Moriarty.
"When Charlie leaves it's probably time for me to leave," Bartlett said. "His rapport with our pitchers is unbelievable. He's obviously a knowledgeable guy, but his calm communication skills makes him that much more special.
"I have 100 percent trust in him. All you have to do is look at (Moriarty) today. He was phenomenal."
Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.
