Harvard would eventually lose that game, 3-2, but the clutch performance illustrated Ronz's vast potential.

"It's great to have a lefty in the rotation," Hopps said. "He's gotten much better consistency-wise, both from a velocity standpoint and with strength and stamina."

Walsh says Nyweide will fill out the final spot in the weekend rotation. Although Nyweide struggled slightly in the Cape League, posting a 4.15 ERA, he developed an effective change-up to complement his pitching arsenal.

"He picked up some real good experience on the Cape," Walsh said. "He's a complete three-pitch pitcher."

With four freshman hurlers joining the team, Harvard pitching should be stocked well into the future. Walsh says freshman righthander Steve Snyder, who features an effective breaking-ball, might challenge for a starting spot this season. Snyder's biggest worry might be health--he is recovering from tendinitis in his throwing shoulder.

"Steve's going to be a top-of-the-line ballplayer," Walsh says. "I would not be surprised if he could move somebody out of that top four."

A key to Harvard's success under Walsh has been his pitchers' impressive control. All of Harvard's top pitchers have had terrific strikeout-walk ratios during the Walsh era, and this year is no different.

"I like recruiting strike throwers," Walsh said. "I throw the guy out there who can throw strike one."