Greenbrier East senior second baseman/pitcher, Henry Goodwin was an integral part of the Spartans sweep through sectional play. Goodwin hit .428, scored four runs and drove in three more in the three sectional games. He also pitched four scoreless innings and had five strikeouts.
It is safe to say that the Mid Atlantic Christian commit is playing his best baseball at the right time, and if East wants to make a run at the state tournament, Goodwin is going to play a key role.
The Spartans have won five in a row, and seven-of-eight, and Goodwin says it is because the team decided to just play the game, play it well, and remain calm in all situations.
“I think heading into postseason we were ready to win. We have stopped playing selfish baseball and are not letting our emotions control us,” Goodwin said.
Keeping that momentum going into this week in the best-of-three regional championship series is a must, and Goodwin has already molded the game plan together for what needs to happen for the Spartans to advance.
“We need to work ahead in counts and not get deep in counts,” Goodwin said.
“Our defense has proved we can back up the pitchers anywhere the ball is hit. Someone’s going to make a play and if it’s not made, they sold out on the play. And from the offensive standpoint, we need to put balls in play and work on getting on the ground and in the gaps and not taking strikes,” Goodwin explained.
Pitching has not been the Spartans top strength over the course of the season, but over the last four games, East has allowed only eight total runs, with a few those in garbage time against Princeton, so the rotation is throwing extremely well. Goodwin acknowledges the strength of the defense in the field and even the offense, for making things easier on the guys on the mound.
“Coach (Cory) Mann has always talked about getting ahead and keeping batters off balance. Heading into post season play we have just been pitching short boxes, getting our grips down, and hitting spots. Our defense has played all out behind our pitching, and our bats are putting up runs and helping our pitchers’ confidence,” he said.
And it’s that confidence that is vital to good performances as well.
“Having confidence heading into regionals is a must, but we can’t let our confidence lead to cockiness,” Goodwin stated.
“We owe coach Mann a regional title and I think if we play Spartan ball, we will get him that,” he added confidently.
Personally, Goodwin just wants to stick to his routine, workouts and not let his mind be consumed with too much non-baseball drama.
“What I plan to do to stay fresh for regionals is to just make every rep at practice count and make sure everything is right and showing up every day ready to be better. Off the field, I plan to keep my arm iced, work on bands, eat and sleep good, and making sure I have my mind right for Monday,” he concluded.
