Goss thriving as a lefty specialist
Ex-Waterford star has retired all 12 lefties he’s faced this season
Groton — In his role as lefty specialist out of the bullpen, Adam Goss receives his share of ribbing.
That's what happens when your typical job is to face one batter and then head to the dugout before breaking a good sweat.
There's a nickname for a relief pitcher fitting that description: LOGO Lefty One Guy Only. It also means you're likely be put in pressure-packed situations, which suits Goss just fine.
"Personally, I love being a left-handed specialist," Goss said. "A lot of guys rag on me for it sometimes. If you're a lefty specialist, you go in a lot of the time during the most important part of the game, like bases loaded, two outs and the best hitter up.
"I personally get a big thrill out of it."
Goss, a former Waterford High School standout, has thrived in that limited role, both for Division II powerhouse Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire and the Mystic Schooners of the New England Collegiate Baseball League this summer.
A 5-foot-10, 190-pound left-hander,
Goss led Franklin Pierce in appearances last spring with 26, pitching 11.1 innings during his junior season. He went 1-0 with one save and a 4.76 earned run average, allowing nine hits while striking out 16 and walking seven. Opponents batted .214 against him.
For the Schooners, Goss hasn't allowed a hit or a run against 12 left-handed batters in a total of four innings. He's walked two and struck out two.
"Adam is someone that we've been looking at for a couple of years," Mystic manager Phil Orbe said. "Being his last summer that he's eligible, we thought he would be a good fit . ... Adam is a great teammate. He's going to do anything that we ask him to do. It's really been a pleasure to have him here . ... Great, great kid. Great family. And he's doing a really nice job for us."
Goss's goal this summer to improve his success rate against right-handed batters, which are hitting .412 against him in 2.2 innings. He's given up seven hits, including two home runs.
Overall, he's thrown 6.2 innings, owning a 4.05 earned run average. He's fanned six and walked four while giving up seven hits.
"I do pretty well against left-handed hitters," Goss said, "but I'm working on getting the righties out."
Goss believes Mystic pitching coach Dennis Long is just the guy to help him achieve his goals. He works with Long during the offseason and trusts him completely.
"When I signed my contract here last fall, I knew it was going to be a great experience with me working with coach Long and continuing with what we worked on over the winter and into the summer," Goss said.
Goss is developing his changeup and polishing his fastball location. His biting slider is his primary go-to pitch. His side-arm delivery adds to his deception. He throws from the first base side of the pitching rubber and tilts his body.
Orbe is giving Goss some opportunities to expand his role.
"He's been facing some righties, which is a little bit out of the ordinary for him," Orbe said. "But he hasn't shied away from it . ... There is an adjustment with his stuff. Dennis and I were talking about it the other day and came up with a plan for him against righties."
In Sunday's 6-3 loss to Newport, Goss pitched 1.1 scoreless innings. The only hit that he allowed and only walk both came versus right-handed batters.
"I know I can get right-handed hitters out," Goss said. "It's not a talent-issue. It's more a mental thing."
Goss is in baseball heaven playing for the Schooners. He's followed Mystic since high school. He's happy to be teammates again with long-time friend and fellow former Lancer Connor Lewis.
"Awesome," Goss said. "Back in high school, one of my best friends hosted a Schooner. Ever since then, being around the players, I've always wanted to play for these guys, so it's kind of like a dream come true in a way for me."
Goss is in no hurry for the season to end. He's scheduled to have his tonsils out on Aug. 4. A bacterial infection about three weeks ago set him back. But he's fine and ready to contribute whenever he's called from the bullpen.
News and notes
• Garet Griffin (Mitchell College) had a productive game in Monday's 6-5 loss to Winnipesaukee, going 2-for-3 with two RBI. Ryan Solomon (Northeastern) and Kaleb Foster (Nevada Reno) each had a home run for the struggling Schooners (13-12), who've lost five straight . ... Tommy Jew (Cal Santa Barbara) earned his first NECBL player of the week honor. g.keefe@theday.com