Kuczewski repeats, Mistretta earns first nod
(Photo by Megan Moellendorf)
Senior pitcher Luke Kuczewski (Orchard Park/Orchard Park) was named First Team All-SUNYAC for the second straight year, and outfielder Russ Mistretta (Buffalo/Canisius) was named as a Second Team outfielder.
Kuczewski broke or tied a number of season records for the Devils this season. He broke Ricky Carlson's (2009) innings pitched record, going 75 1/3. Carlson had tossed 74 1/3 innings. Kuczewski set the season strikeout mark with 68. He tied Carlson with 10 starts and six complete games. He led the conference in strikeouts, innings, and complete games.
For career marks, Kuczewski's 220 innings are a new standard, as are his 176 punchouts. He owns a career mark of 16 wins, ranking second to Andy Dlugosz (2010).
"Luke was the most durable pitcher in the conference this year," said head coach Matt Palisin. "More was asked of him than any other pitcher. Despite missing two starts to weather cancelations, he still led the conference in innings, complete games, and strikeouts. He threw our nine-inning game, and set up our staff for success every weekend."
A testament to his durability, Kuczewski went 11 2/3 innings in a 2-1 loss vs. Plattsburgh. He had a complete-game, three-hit shutout over Brockport and a four-hit, 10 strikeout win over New Paltz. His other complete game in conference play was a six-hitter in an 11-2 win vs. Oneonta.
Mistretta, a transfer from Mercyhurst College, started the season in the middle of the order for the Devils, but eventually worked his way into the leadoff slot. He batted .299 with five doubles, three triples, and one homerun. He led the Devils with 15 walks and scored 14 runs.
Mistretta stepped things up in conference play, batting .364 with four doubles, a triple and a homerun in 16 SUNYAC games. He also drove in 10 runs.
"As the season went on, Russ played better and better," said Palisin. He was arguably our most consistent hitter at season's end, and we were able to move him into the leadoff spot. After not getting any at bats while at Mercyhurst, he really finished strong."
Not only outstanding athletes, Mistretta earned a 4.0 in accounting in his first semester at Fredonia, and Kuczewski has and overall 3.0.
