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Slight Adjustment Shows Big Results By James Allan R icky Sandquist didn't have anything to lose when approached about altering his pitching mechanics prior to his senior season with the University of Iowa baseball team. After throwing over-the-top his entire playing career, UI head coach Jack Dahm came to Sandquist with the idea of dropping down to a three-quarter arm slot at the end of fall practice. The move was made with apprehension. "I was a little hesitant because this summer I had a pretty good showing throwing over the top," said Sandquist. "I have been throwing the same way my entire life. We talked about it, and I didn't have anything to lose is the way they presented it to me. I was going to try it out, and if it didn't work then I just lost one day of practice." a 1.59 ERA in 17 innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on 18 hits in 17 innings. He has 14 strikeouts to three walks. Sanquist notched his second career win, throwing three innings of relief in a 4-2 victory at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. He also threw seven innings of scoreless relief in games against UALR and Wichita State before taking a no-decision in his first start of his senior season against West Virginia on March 10. "I knew right away that I was a better pitcher making the change, but I didn't think the results would come that quickly," said Sandquist. "I thought it would take time to get used to it. Right off the bat, I felt comfortable, and I built my confidence up too." Dahm says Sandquist's success is proof that having the right attitude and work ethic pays off. "It felt natural," he said. "My fastball is never straight, it always has arm-side run, and my slider is pretty nasty down there, too. That's probably the way I should have been throwing my whole life." "He has worked so hard for us and is one of the most unselfish players in our program," said Dahm. "He deserves to be successful because he is such a great kid, works so hard, and wants it more than anybody in our program. It has been fun to see him having the success he is having." Dahm says the move has made Sandquist a different player, both physically and mentally. Sandquist says the 2013 season is four years in the making. "He had a ton of success inside (during practice) against our players," said Dahm. "Our players were talking about how filthy he was and how tough it was to hit him. He has gone out and had success and looks like a different player now." "I have worked my butt off for four years, and this is the first year I have really seen results," he said. "The two things you can control are your attitude and effort, and I try to bring those every day. Sandquist noticed the results from the first day. After winning one game and posting an 8.91 ERA in his first three collegiate seasons, Sandquist's 2013 numbers are that of a "new" pitcher. He is 1-0 with "It's nice being a senior and trying to lead this team, not just by my actions, but my performance. It is huge that I am a senior, putting it all together, laying it all on the line and setting an example for the younger guys." 25