Jasmine Watson usually knows what freshman pitcher Sydney O’Hara wants to throw. O’Hara rarely shakes off the senior catcher, and being on the same page gives her an added sense of comfort on the mound.

But this wasn’t the case for the entire season.

“Right now for rhythm of the game, and confidence-wise, I think it was just a good move for us, for the team,” Syracuse head coach Leigh Ross said.

Until April 2, Watson — who was named the ACC player of the week on Monday — started every game at first base as freshman Nicole Lundstrom handled catching duties. Throughout April, though, Ross has consistently flip-flopped the two defensively, providing the Orange (24-24, 12-12 Atlantic Coast) with a boost in leadership from behind the plate.

“I try to keep them up even if they get a home run hit off of them or if they’re getting hit or having a rough day,” Watson said. “I just try and keep them up and make sure they come after the next pitch, next batter.”

Watson’s advantage in experience justified the midseason switch, Ross said, especially considering SU’s pitching staff consists of two freshmen and a sophomore.

When Watson jogs out to the circle she typically says the right thing to calm the young pitchers.

“Obviously I’m going to listen to Jaz,” O’Hara said. “She’s been on the team for four years now, so she knows what she’s talking about.”

O’Hara described both Watson and Lundstrom as “great” catchers, but Watson brings extra leadership to the field.

In the final 14 games of the regular season, Watson played catcher for nine full games and for at least a portion of 13.

The move also allows Lundstrom to get a rest from one of the most demanding positions on the field, after starting the first 28 games of the season behind the dish.

Since then, Lundstrom has still started in each of SU’s 20 games, including nine at first base, six as the designated player and five at catcher. Ross said Lundstrom plays first base well, too.

Though Watson has received the bulk of playing time at catcher recently, Ross said she hasn’t committed to one or the other for the ACC tournament, which starts May 8. She described the catching competition as “day-to-day.”

Watson spent most of her Syracuse career playing first base. In the previous two seasons, she played catcher for a full game once in five appearances at the position. She also played the position growing up through high school.

“I think my role is the same as it was at first,” Watson said. “Just being really vocal and making sure that I keep the team up, so it becomes a domino effect and everyone is picking each other up.”

Published on April 29, 2014 at 1:30 am

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