Craff staying steady behind the plate

Every time the Washington baseball team takes the field, there is always a fixture behind the plate.

Demon junior Bryce Craff has been penciled in for nearly every game over the past two seasons as the Demons? top catcher, and has made his mark over that span, both defensively and offensively.

From being productive from all over the batting lineup (he had five RBIs from the nine-spot on Wednesday night) to managing the game defensively, Craff has become one of the focal points of the Demon team.

?He?s caught literally every single game for us,? Washington baseball head coach Nathan Miller said. ?We subbed him out on a hot day a few weeks ago, but that?s a credit to his work ethic. He?s in the most strenuous position on the field, and you couldn?t tell that we are in the last part of the season here.?

Craff said that despite spending most of his defensive time squatting behind the plate, he hasn?t had too many negative effects.

?I don?t get very tired,? Craff said. ?There?s a little leg soreness the next morning, but that?s just what I do. I?ve done it ever since I was little, so it?s easy.?

Miller credited that ease to coaches James Harris and Garrison Carter, who have set up a strong weight regimen over at Case Field.

?A lot of credit goes to coach Harris and coach Carter in the weight room, and the kids buying into it,? Miller said. ?As far as strength, we aren?t getting any weaker and he?s an example of that.?

With the Demon junior catching nearly every inning so far, Craff has a little extra preparation to do each game, as he has to adjust to each pitcher who will be taking the mound, and he said that has helped him at the plate.

?I have to know who?s a little faster and try to think of everyone as the same,? Craff said. ?(Offensively), I?m able to notice a curveball more, because I know what it looks like coming in.?

The numbers for Craff offensively this season have been solid this year, batting .311 and getting on base at a clip of .447.

He leads the team with seven stolen bases, and has 10 RBIs, five of which came on Wednesday night.

Craff and the Demons will be facing Mt. Pleasant on Thursday night.