Senior Mike Morgalis, a 6’5 righthander who expected to return to the rotation this season for his final year of eligibility, suffered a broken foot during the offseason that jeopardized his playing chances.

But there he was on Saturday, pitching Harvard back into contention (the Crimson eventually lost, 8-6) with five innings of sharp relief.

After taking over for freshman Shawn Haviland and facing a 6-2 deficit through three innings, Morgalis yielded only one earned run for the remainder of the game.

“That was great to see,” Mann said. “He showed me over the weekend that he’s going to give us a lot of good innings.”

Morgalis continues to pitch through discomfort, and surgery possibly awaits at season’s end.

But Morgalis’ performance on Saturday was a promising sign for a young pitching staff that stands to benefit from some unexpected depth.

“He hopped off the mound, fielded a bunt,” Mann said. “He’s moving, he’s fielding his position, which is more than just pitching well. He’s ready to go.”

CATCHING THE GRIFF

Freshman Griff Jenkins complicated coach Joe Walsh’s infield picture with an outstanding debut weekend at second base.

In the first half of Saturday’s doubleheader, he went 2-for-5 with three RBI and three runs. But Jenkins’ composure at the keystone most impressed teammates and coaches.

“He made an awesome play while Frank was pitching, up the middle,” Mann said. “Flipped it up with the glove to Morgan for the force, and almost turned two.”

Most importantly, added Mann, “he showed no fear.”

With several other candidates seeking playing time up the middle, including incumbent sophomore Brendan Byrne, Harvard benefits from an overabundance of infield depth.

“Any of the middle infielders can start,” Mann said. “Looks like coach is going to figure a way to get everybody innings.”

“Too many good players,” he said.

—Staff writer Alex McPhillips can be reached at rmcphill@fas.harvard.edu.