2008 Woodie Awards
DeMott dominant in memorable senior season with Warriors
By: Thomas Lawrence
Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: Sports
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DeMott is a senior relief pitcher from Atwater; a transfer from Merced College.
In 2007, his first season with the Warriors, he led the team with 20 appearances out of the bullpen. However, this didn't amount to a successful season, as DeMott was 0-3 with an ERA of 6.14. Also, he walked as many as he struck out, at 11 apiece, something undesirable for a relief pitcher.
This season though, DeMott has completely turned the corner, and turned himself into the most formidable set-up man in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, with an ERA of 1.12, an opponents batting average of only .157, while striking out 35 and walking only 14 in 27 appearances.
Even more important, in conference play only DeMott's ERA is miniscule as well, at 1.38. And that 1.38 is the best for any pitcher in conference play with ten or more appearances.
However, the drastic change from the year before isn't due to anything physical.
"I trust my stuff and believe in the guys behind me," DeMott said. He added that the major difference mentally is knowing he'll get outs this year, instead of just hoping things fall his way.
DeMott also said that the large amount of pitching he did over the summer contributed to his marked improvement into this season.
He was also humble about his role, touting the bullpen's prowess above his own gaudy numbers.
"Not only do we pick up the starters, but we pick up each other," DeMott said.
And the Warriors indeed do have two reliable set-up men in DeMott and junior Josh Lewis, along with junior closer Andrew Troncale who has six saves on the season.
As for having his eye on the closer role, as so many professional pitchers do, DeMott hasn't given it a second thought.
"I just want to be out there helping the team," he said.
Of course, a great deal of DeMott's success comes from his unique release point as a submarine style pitcher, especially to right handed batters.
"It's actually more of a natural motion," DeMott said, perhaps giving the explanation as to why he's been able to stay so consistent and unaffected by fatigue this season.
The Warriors close out their regular season home schedule on Sunday, April 27 with a doubleheader against the Sonoma State Seawolves starting at noon.
Currently in third place in the CCAA, the Warriors are in good position to make the conference tournament and potentially earn a spot in the NCAA West Region playoffs.
Either way, for DeMott, it's been a senior season to remember.
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