Competitive fire fuels Cedar Rapids Xavier’s Andrew Hamlett in complete-game shutout over Dubuque Senior

CEDAR RAPIDS — Andrew Hamlett appears cool on the outside whenever he takes the mound.

On the inside, however, burns a competitive fire that has served him well as a three-year starter for Cedar Rapids Xavier.

“I want to win,” the senior left-hander said. “I may not show it but there’s always something inside me. I hate to lose.”

Hamlett displayed that drive, pitching a complete-game shutout in the Saints’ 9-0 victory over Dubuque Senior in the opener of a Mississippi Valley Conference doubleheader on Senior Night Friday at Ken Charipar Field. The Rams earned the split with a 16-7 victory in nightcap.

Hamlett produced the reliable outing that has led to three wins this season and 12 in his career.

“Andrew is a competitor,” Xavier Coach Dan Halter said. “We know he’s going to be locked in every time. He’s going to give us his best and compete every pitch.

“He’s a really quiet kid, but he’s got a fire. He’s been a good senior leader for us this year.”

Hamlett, the 6-foot, 165-pound Southeastern Community College recruit, was steady on the mound. He allowed just five hits and eight total baserunners, retiring nine straight batters from the first through fourth innings.

“Coach was calling it inside and outside, mixing up speeds,” Hamlett said. “I knew if I hit corners even though they put the ball in play, it wouldn’t be hard. I have a defense behind me so just go out there and throw.”

Sure, Hamlett is at his best pitching to soft contact and preventing batters from barreling up pitches. He also did some of the work on his own, striking out nine batters on 104 total pitches.

“He knows how to command and locate,” Halter said. “He’s OK with getting quick innings and soft contact rather than try to blow it by everybody. He knows his body, his delivery and what he’s working with.”

Senior (13-13, 7-12) threatened late. The Rams loaded the bases with none out in the sixth but Hamlett fanned two straight batters and fielded a grounder to end the rally. Senior opened the seventh with consecutive base hits only to have Hamlett induce a flyout and close with two more strikeouts.

“For the most part, you know he’s going to go deep into a game and give you everything he’s got,” Halter said. “He’s also been better lately, being efficient with his pitch count. He had some really quick innings early, which allowed him to work deep and the whole game.”

The night had a special tone and Hamlett accounted for one of the bright spots. He was one of 11 seniors recognized between games. Many have played together since they started organized baseball.

“I’ve played from 7U on up with these guys,” Hamlett said. “It’s fun to have one last season with them.”

Hamlett also had a strong contingent of supporters in the stands, including his parents and grandparents. He said his mom, a college softball player, and dad, a baseball fan, were instrumental in turning him onto the sport. Hamlett said his grandparents have never missed a game.

“That means a lot with all the family here,” Hamlett said. “I couldn’t do it without them.”

The Saints (13-14, 11-11) manufactured a run in the first. Caleb Even walked, moved to second on a Noah Schimberg sacrifice bunt and reached third on a wild pitch. Hamlett followed with an RBI groundout for a 1-0 lead. Hamlett added an RBI single in the third.

Xavier broke open the game in the fourth, scoring six runs on four hits. Even had a two-run double and Jon Ramos contributed an RBI single.

In the nightcap, Hamlett had two more hits and Lucas Frost belted a three-run home run and reached base in all three of his plate appearances. Senior tallied 16 hits, seven walk and a hit batsman in its win.

“We hit the ball really well in Game 1,” Halter said. “We had some moments in Game 2. You can’t keep giving free bases if you want to win.”

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com