Crafty Pitcher Goh Ogura Guiding Husky Baseball

Harrison's Goh Ogura is not the biggest man on the team. He doesn't pitch with an overpowering fastball or hit for an extremely high average. But Ogura does two things very well: he works hard and leads by example.

Ogura has become an ace on the Husky staff in his senior season and has developed into an above average hitter and one of the best defensive players on the team.

The senior can be compared to a mad scientist on the mound. He is a pure finesse pitcher who will not blow anyone away with his fastball or buckle anyone's knees with his curve, but his ability to throw strikes and hit his spots makes him one of the best pitchers on the team.

"Before the game Goh listens to his iPod to help him get in the zone," said Harrison left fielder Peter Viscogliosi. "When he gets out on the field whether it is at practice or during a game no one works harder than him. He's a great leader for us on the mound or in the field."

Last week Ogura pitched twice for Harrison at home.

On Monday against Somers, Ogura pitched in relief of starting pitcher Max Bruckner. In his one inning he may not have had his best stuff, allowing a hit to one batter and walking another, but Ogura battled and picked up the save without allowing a run and preserved the 5-4 victory for Harrison.

His second appearance was on Thursday against hated rival Rye. In that game Ogura got the ball as a starter. He pitched a complete game allowing only one run, six hits and one walk; he also struck out five Garnets in the victory. Ogura gave the team the much needed win and Harrison has not lost a game since.

"He is a great athlete and gives it his all every time he pitches or enters the field," Harrison captain Mike DeLacy said of Ogura. "Goh is also a great teammate, he picks people up when they are struggling."

Ogura also got an opportunity to show off his ability in the field on several occasions. Not only did he field his position on the mound nearly perfectly, but he also played the outfield just as well.

"Goh has been great for us on the field all year," said Harrison Head Coach Marco DiRuocco. "Pitching is definitely his specialty but he had made some game saving plays in the field and he has picked up some big hits for us this season."

At the plate Ogura showed off his patience and persistence in each of his games last week. At the end of the week Ogura accumulated four hits, two RBI and four walks.

The Harrison senior is also known for his locker room antics and ability to keep his teammates loose during big games.

"Goh is one of the hardest workers and funniest kids on the team," said Harrison junior Brendan O'Shea. "He keeps us loose in practice but come game day he is always focused and ready to play."

Best of luck and continued success Goh Ogura, Harrison Patch's athlete of the week for the week of May 9 - 15.