Summer In The Cape

The summer is gone and Ball State baseball will take the field for three exhibitions this fall. The Cardinals are hoping what junior right-hander Kyle Nicolas did over the summer will pay off. Nicolas, a fireballer from Ohio who has been both a starter and closer for BSU, played for the Cotuit Kettleers in the Cape Cod League this summer and he said the experience was a memorable one on and off the field.

Nicolas appeared in 15 games in America's best summer collegiate baseball league, racking up six saves and striking out 40 batters over 30.1 innings. Facing some of the best players in the country in that environment will only help Nicolas as he enters his third year at Ball State.

"It's definitely a different feel. Everyone in the lineup 1 through 9 can hit the ball hard," Nicolas said. "And off the field, we had a business-like atmosphere. It's all about baseball."

Related: NICOLAS SUMMER STATS

There was no bigger spot for Nicolas when he came in to pitch the 15th inning of Game 1 of the Cape Cod Championship Series vs. Harwich on August 8. Cotuit took a 7-6 lead in the top of the 15th and called on Nicolas, who was touching 97-98 mph during the summer, to shut the door. He threw mostly fastballs and dropped in a few curves to strike out the side and bring Cotuit one game closer to a league title.

"The last batter I threw a high fastball and he swung right through it. Everyone in the crowd was going crazy - that was a cool moment," Nicolas said. "That was fun seeing everything pay off."

Like his sophomore season at BSU, he was used by Cotuit coach Mike Roberts as a closer and also made one start. During the middle of the summer season he was used in
high-Ieverage spots earlier in games before going back to the closer role. In the spring of 2019, Nicolas made six starts and recorded six saves for a 38-19 Cardinals team.

"It's fun. It's nerve-wracking and the adrenaline is there for sure. Especially in a tight game," Nicolas said about being a closer. "I try to bring a mindset that I'm about to shut them down. They're not going to hit me. I'm just going to throw my stuff for one inning and let loose. I like closing but I also like starting too."

The Summer Was 'Special'

It all started during the fall of 2018, when Roberts was on the hunt for players for summer 2019. Ball State head coach Rich Maloney and Roberts have a good relationship, with several Ball State players playing for Cotuit over the years. Maloney suggested Nicolas - and also Drey Jameson - and the Kettleers knew they'd be getting quality players out of Ball State. Jameson was on the roster but was drafted and plays in the Diamondbacks organization. Nicolas finished his Ball State season and headed to Massachusetts.

In most collegiate summer leagues, you live with a host family. The experiences can vary, but Nicolas says his hosts "were awesome." The Ware family hosted Nicolas and Oraj Anu, an outfielder now at Kentucky, and they made them feel right at home. Pizzas on the beach, dinner every night after games. Incredible support. 19615

"They were huge fans of the team and came out every day. My host dad didn't miss a game," Nicolas said. "They really cared for me and my roommate like we were part of their family. You don't find that everywhere. that's pretty special."

There aren't many off days in any summer league, though Nicolas did make it out to the New England beaches a couple times. His family came up to visit for four days as did Coach Maloney. His girlfriend and her mother made a trip up as well, but it was mostly about baseball for Nicolas.

"Other than that, there's not much free time," he said. "We're playing every day, but it was fun. That's what you gotta do."

Bringing It Back To Ball State

After Nicolas earned the 15th-inning save, Cotuit went on to clinch the Cape title the next day. Summer baseball isn't always about the wins and losses, everyone is trying to work on something new or get in some extra work. But the Kettleers saw a trophy in their grasp and put individual interests aside for the team.

"We don't even know each other when we get there," Nicolas said. "Everyone up there cared about baseball and getting better. We have that mentality at Ball State. Everyone here wants to be the best player they can be and put their work in. Cotuit was the same. Our team grew really close and by the end, everyone was trying to win. It was fun playing with those guys every day and I'm glad we made some really good friendships that will last a long time."

After striking out 40 batters, earning six saves and closing a championship series game, Nicolas came back to Muncie with more understanding about himself and how he can have a breakout season for the Cardinals.

"I realized a lot about myself. learned I can compete with the best of the best," Nicolas said. "That's who is in that league. I learned my stuff can beat anyone I face, and that gives me a lot of confidence heading into this season. But you can't take anyone lightly and you have to focus on making your best pitch. I got a lot of good stuff out of it. I think it's going to get me ready for this season and the next step in baseball."

Players Mentioned

Drey Jameson

Kyle Nicolas

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