Gossett, Stinnett ready to duel

Maryland is one of college baseball’s better stories early this season, and senior righthanded pitcher Jake Stinnett is the main character.

The Terrapins still have a long way to go before perhaps earning an NCAA postseason bid at the end of the year, but things are looking up after sweeping North Carolina State at home last weekend. This, of course, including a Jake Stinnett performance that bested N.C. State heralded lefthanded pitcher Carlos Rodon.

Stinnett is a 6-foot-4, 215-pounder, who has evolved from starting 40 games at third base, to the closer role much of last year, and finally, settling in as a starting pitcher this spring. There, Stinnett has been outstanding so far this spring, showing big-time velocity with a fastball sitting anywhere from 90-95, while his slider is a true swing and miss offering. Stinnett was an afterthought before the season, but there’s now some first-round potential.

Clemson junior righthanded pitcher Daniel Gossett is more established than Stinnett having started the past couple of seasons, but he, too, is beginning to gain some serious steam after throwing a gem against top-ranked Florida State last week, where he sat 92-95 much of the game, and well into the latter innings, along with good secondary offerings.

Both Stinnett and Gossett hope to get their respective teams off on a positive note Friday afternoon in College Park, Md., and their pitching coaches took some time out to break down their history and what they bring to the table.

Clemson pitching coach Dan Pepicelli on RHP Daniel Gossett

“You know, he’s always had that fastball even coming from high school. He’s got a good fastball with good aptitude, and he’s always evolving as a pitcher. If he can figure out a way to make his fastball go more downhill either the rest of this season or at the next level, he’s got a pretty good chance to be special at the next level. I also think it’s integral for him to continue developing his changeup into a pitch he can consistently count on in the long term. I think having that so far this season has really allowed him to go deeper into games, adding some flexibility.”