Robert Hamchuck (Photo by Kavin Mistry)
By Matt Weiner (@MattWeiner20) – BSB Beat Reporter
It felt like an unrepeatable statistical nugget when Robert Hamchuk led off Opening Day with a first-pitch home run.
A great question for SJSU baseball trivia that would live on for years.
13 games later, he’s now hit two home runs since and both are lead-off home runs.
One coming against Portland on Feb. 27.
And the other coming against Nevada on March 11.
What Hamchuk is doing in the lead-off spot is comparable to a kick returner in football taking back opening kicks to the house. A la Bears return man Devin Hester against the Colts in the 2006 Super Bowl.
Whether it’s a date or a job interview, first impressions are everything and Hamchuk is making the Spartans seem like they have the good looks of Ryan Gosling in “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” with the intelligence of Rain Man.
Originally picked to finish last in the Mountain West in the coaches poll, the Spartans have turned some heads starting 9-5 and won their first conference series against New Mexico.
Pitching has been a considerable factor the Spartans entered Friday’s game having won six of their last seven while allowing an average of three runs in each contest.
Hamchuk has been a big piece on the offensive end to connect the puzzle.
Through 14 games, he’s slashing .377/.477/1.041 with 13 RBI, one shy of tying Hunter Dorraugh for the team lead.
He’s also putting in significant evidence for making an All Mountain West team come the end of the year as he has the second most hits (23) and total bases (36) resting at the heels of UNLV’s Ryan Clark.
His nine-game hitting streak was snapped after an 0-4 showing against Cal Poly on March 8, but his ability to get a hit in 12 of 14 games is still incredible.
The Spartans offense isn’t just limited to Hamchuk as Charles McAdoo is third in the Mountain West in OBP (.477) and Dorraugh’s seven home runs lead the league.
But, without him, the offense might not have that initial jolt to get the gears turning and wheels in motion.
