Tommy Miller (Siena) meets Dutchmen Baseball Buddies before first pitch at Siena Field

Tommy Miller (Siena) has been named the Spotlight Player of the Week, following two great starts for the Dutchmen in the first week of the season.

Miller is 2-0 in 10.1 innings pitched, striking out ten and allowing nine hits, giving him an ERA of 2.61.

Miller says his secondary pitches were the key to his hot start.

“I wanted to use all three of my pitches in all counts and I was using my slider and changeup when I was behind in counts and I think it was keeping hitters off balance,” Miller said.

Beginning this season, the Dutchmen call Siena Field their home. Miller plays his college ball there, so his start in the home opener for Albany was in familiar territory.

Miller threw 5.1 innings of one run ball allowing just three hits and striking out five in Albany’s home opener against Mohawk Valley. 

“I was excited to be able to pitch and just get back out there and start throwing,” Miller said.

In his second start Miller tossed five innings giving up two runs, allowing six hits and striking out five.

Miller says that becoming comfortable with his new teammates is contributing to his success on the mound.

“We’re all new getting a feel for each other and I think our team has bonded well and I think that’s helping us play well right now,” Miller said. “I definitely like all the guys and it’s cool to get to meet people from all over the country.” 

Miller is not the only Siena product finding success early in the season, his teammates on mound Nick Bruno and Matt Pierce are also off to great starts for the 4-2 Dutchmen.

Head coach Nick Davey says he has a lot of trust in the Siena pitchers, because they pound the strike zone.

“When you have freshman early on that can throw strikes with numerous pitches that’s gonna get you on the mound quicker,” Davey said.

Miller says the key to future success is to continue attacking the zone and keep hitters off guard with off speed pitches.

Coach Davey agrees, he says Miller needs to make sure he keeps the ball down when he’s on the mound.

“We’re really gonna focus on really being down in the zone and really working on secondary pitches for strikes,” Davey said. “If we can do those two things, he’ll go out and have a lot of success.”

Miller is next in action Saturday taking the mound in game one of a double header against the Glens Fall Dragons with first pitch set for 3:00 p.m. at Siena Field.