The Panther

Issue date: 4/27/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Rashad Morgan Freshmen Wrandal Taylor (left) and Marcus Crockett (right) have immediately contributed to the Panther baseball team this season.

This season the Panther baseball program has received some significant contributions from two freshmen players. Wrandal Taylor and Marcus Crockett have helped the Panthers become one of the elite teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

A 5-10, 190-pound pitcher from Beaumont, Texas, Taylor's season was highlighted on February 4 when he threw five innings, allowing only two hits, one run, one earned run, two walks and recording seven strikeouts in a 15-1 win over Jarvis Christian College. This season Taylor has maintained a 4.15 earned run average while leading the conference with eight wins and a .730 won-loss percentage. In other league statistical categories he's tied for first in games started (12), ranks second in innings pitched (73.2) and tied at fourth in strikeouts (57). Taylor has been honored twice as SWAC pitcher of the week for his play during the weeks of February 24 and March 17.

"Wrandal has given us consistency throughout the entire season," said head baseball coach Michael Robertson. "He is pitching the ball extremely well and his command on the mound has been phenomenal. Every time he steps to the mound he increases our chance to win."

Crockett was initially drafted out of high school by the Chicago Cubs last spring. The 5-10, 180-pound center fielder from Los Angeles, California ranks in the top five in eight statistical categories for the Panthers. He ranks first on the team in stolen bases (18) and walks (32), second in home runs with five, fourth with a .505 slugging percentage, and fifth in runs scored (32), runs batted in (25), total bases (50) and on-base percentage (.452).

"I have been extremely impressed with the way Marcus has played for us this season," said Robertson. "His contributions have been tremendous. He has a perfect blend of speed and power along with a strong arm."

Both Taylor and Crockett have adjusted well to the fast paced style of collegiate play. With the addition of Taylor, the Panthers' pitching rotation is ranked third in the conference with only Southern and Alcorn State having better overall team pitching statistics. Since Crockett's arrival as a regular in the batting rotation, Prairie View is ranked fifth in the conference with a .285 batting average.

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