Baseball masterminds everywhere agree that nine times out of 10 good pitching will stifle good hitting. In their time, major league pitchers like Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton and Bob Gibson proved, more often than not, that they could thwart a lineup of powerful hitters. In 1990, Penn State baseball coach Shorty Stoner is hoping that his pitching staff will have similar success.

With a Lion offense which Stoner believes often "scrapes for runs," a quality pitching staff is essential if they are to be as successful as a year ago.

Senior hurlers Gary Miller and Greg Young are expected to carry much of the pitching load for the Lions this season. Last year the two combined for over 113 innings pitched and 12 complete games. Miller completed his junior season with a 5-2 record and a stellar 2.14 ERA. Even more impressive was Miller's record from mid-April on when he was 5-0 with a 1.09 ERA. Young, despite less startling statistics than Miller, was extremely durable with his team-leading 10 starts and 63 innings pitched.

"The pitching is not what we would have liked it to be at this time," Stoner said, "but at any moment that could turn around."

The remainder of the rotation is comprised of Jeff LaBuda (3-0 last year with a 3.52 ERA) and Brian Ishler (2-0, 3.22). Stoner expects sophomore Mike McRoberts (3-1, 4.45), a starter a year ago, to work primarily out of the bullpen. However, shoulder injuries to seniors Dave Healy (3-6, 5.15), Alan Swanson (1-2, 4.44) and freshman Randy Geis put the pitching under a considerable strain and may force McRoberts back into a starting role.

The pitchers will look to a tandem of freshman catchers this season for the signals. Travis Crayosky has proven so far that he can handle the burden placed upon him. In six games this season, Crayosky has batted .353 with six RBI. Crayosky is backed up quite adequately by Chris Porter.

This year the defense comes in the forms of experience and speed. Veterans Mike Killough and Russ Mushinsky, both of whom had excellent 1989 seasons, will provide experience at shortstop and second base, while newcomer O.J. McDuffie will use his speed to track down balls hit to centerfield.

"Defensively we are solid up the middle," Mushinsky said. "Killough and me are used to playing with each other at short and second. Our backups are also good (defensively)."

A host of other talented players fill in the other spots on the diamond. Chris Futrick (.346, 3 RBI this season) seems to be locked at third, while an early season injury to John Schreiner (.600, 1 HR, 3 RBI) has forced sophomore Craig McRoberts (.188, 3 RBI's) into the lineup at first. Utility infielder John Konawalik, a transfer from Rider College will fill in at second, shortstop or third, while freshman Eric Gates, who flashed a hot bat in fall practice, could see extensive playing time as well.

Scott Biesecker (.192, 2 triples, 2 stolen bases) and Dave Hall (.467, 1 HR, 5 RBI) will probably see the most time playing beside McDuffie.

Despite an early-season hot streak, the Lions' offense is still of great concern to Stoner.

"I know, day in and day out, we are not going to get the same hitting we have thus far," Stoner said.

Stoner might change his thinking if players like Mushinsky (.424, 11 RBI) and designated hitter Jeff Kavelak (.406, 3 HR, 15 RBI) continue their torrid hitting.