Wessels on a hunch in Sunday's game-one win at Oshkosh

What goes into putting together a starting line-up for Warhawk head coach John Vodenlich each game? Sure, you put Danny Putnam in the lead-off spot followed by Andrew Eichstaedt in the second spot. Rob Coe batting third, with Jeff Donovan batting cleanup in each of UWW’s 32 games in 2011.

It was in the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader at UW-Oshkosh that the Hawk’s starting second baseman raised an eyebrow.

Travis Wessels got the start at second for the first time in his career.

Did the hunch work? You tell me. Batting in the “nine-hole” Wessels responded by going 3 for 5 at the plate with four RBI and scoring 2 runs in the Hawks 19-2 win over the Titans.

Wessels’ day included a home run, double and single. The junior from Tomah needed a triple in his final at bat to hit for the “cycle.”

(In the photo above - Travis Wessels trots home following his three-run home in the first inning of Sunday's 19-2 win at UW-Oshkosh - Tom Pattison photo)
“I was joking with Eich (Drew Eichstaedt) that all I need is a triple (for the cycle),” Wessels tells Voiceseyeonbaseball.blogspot.com. “I came up short on that last at bat but that is OK – we won.”

Travis opened the season as the Warhawks starting shortstop and has started 20 of the Hawks 32 games at the position.

Eichstaedt has replaced Wessels at short the past couple of weeks. Travis said he had to take a second look at the lineup card when he saw he was playing second base.

“Getting the start at second surprised be a little bit,” Wessels said. “I was on the bench for a while and when I got the call to start I just wanted to help the team win again after losing two on Saturday. I did my part and it felt good to have a good couple days back in the lineup.”

Being able to “step up” when called on has been a major reason for UW-Whitewater’s ability to be in the WIAC championship “hunt” on an annual basis.

Other than pitchers, 16 Warhawks have had at least four starting assignments so far this season. Travis Wessels is just the latest to take advantage of the opportunity.