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How do you top a 30-game hitting streak as a freshman college baseball player in a season that ended with a .350 average batting average?
For former Sussex Central Golden Knight shortstop and current University of Delaware second baseman D.J. Long, a promotion to the top of the lineup and his Blue Hens beating then nationally ranked No. 4 team Arizona State – Long had two hits and a RBI in the win - was a good start.
In the middle of a season where UD sits at 19-16, Long, who is currently hitting .295 with a .371 on base percentage, took the time to answer a few questions for the Sussex Countian.
Q What differences are there for you batting leadoff instead of in the nine-hole?
A The biggest difference is I’m seeing different pitches. In the nine spot I was getting a lot of fastballs, but now I’m seeing more off-speed stuff. Pitchers are trying to keep me off base with our best hitters coming up after me.
Q How has that forced you to change your approach?
A It’s made me have to be more patient, because I am looking to get on base. Batting leadoff, I am trying to get on any way I can. When I get a fastball, I know I have to drive it because I am only going to see maybe one of them.
Q Although your average has come down some, it is still around .300, do you feel like a better hitter?
A Yeah, I think I am better, I walk a lot more now and I am a lot more patient at the plate. It also helps that I am getting used to second base. Last year was the first time I played second instead of shortstop since middle school and it took some time for me to get used to the change.
Q Arizona State is one of the most prolific programs of all time, what was it like to go to its stadium and beat the team?
A So far, that’s the best feeling I have had since I started playing baseball. We jumped on them with six runs early and then when we held on to win, the last out was flipped to me, it was just a great feeling.
How do you top a 30-game hitting streak as a freshman college baseball player in a season that ended with a .350 average batting average?
For former Sussex Central Golden Knight shortstop and current University of Delaware second baseman D.J. Long, a promotion to the top of the lineup and his Blue Hens beating then nationally ranked No. 4 team Arizona State – Long had two hits and a RBI in the win - was a good start.
In the middle of a season where UD sits at 19-16, Long, who is currently hitting .295 with a .371 on base percentage, took the time to answer a few questions for the Sussex Countian.
Q What differences are there for you batting leadoff instead of in the nine-hole?
A The biggest difference is I’m seeing different pitches. In the nine spot I was getting a lot of fastballs, but now I’m seeing more off-speed stuff. Pitchers are trying to keep me off base with our best hitters coming up after me.
Q How has that forced you to change your approach?
A It’s made me have to be more patient, because I am looking to get on base. Batting leadoff, I am trying to get on any way I can. When I get a fastball, I know I have to drive it because I am only going to see maybe one of them.
Q Although your average has come down some, it is still around .300, do you feel like a better hitter?
A Yeah, I think I am better, I walk a lot more now and I am a lot more patient at the plate. It also helps that I am getting used to second base. Last year was the first time I played second instead of shortstop since middle school and it took some time for me to get used to the change.
Q Arizona State is one of the most prolific programs of all time, what was it like to go to its stadium and beat the team?
A So far, that’s the best feeling I have had since I started playing baseball. We jumped on them with six runs early and then when we held on to win, the last out was flipped to me, it was just a great feeling.
