The Iowa Wesleyan baseball team has used an impressive finish to the 2006 season as a springboard into this year. The Tigers were 26-26 overall a year ago but made it to the NAIA Regionals. They are 23-13 overall this season under first year coach Brett Monaghan.

Monaghan says the guys learned how to win last year and now are doing that on a consistent basis as everyone has found their role. Pitching has been a strength and Monaghan admits he did not expect that. He says playing 55 games you need a lot of quality pitching, and they’ve gotten great performances out of the starters. Monaghan says their team ERA of under 4 is very good.

Monaghan says the pitchers have been throwing strikes and that helps the defense. He says he’s tried to tell the pitching staff to work quick and keep the defense into the game. The Tigers are 10-6 in the Midwest Classic Conference and visit league leader Viterbo this weekend.