Journal-News.com

WEST CHESTER TWP. — If the state tournament spotlight finds Bryan Beaver again this season, it will likely find him in a different position.

Beaver was Lakota West High School's right guy at the right time as a sophomore last year, throwing a four-hit shutout in the Division I state championship baseball game against Mentor.

So now that the defending state champions are headed back to the final four, the obvious assumption is that Beaver will be one of the Firebirds' stud hurlers this week at Cooper Stadium in Columbus.

Maybe. But probably not.

"Wherever the team needs me is where I'll be happy to play," Beaver said. "Our coaches know that I'm ready for whatever."

The junior is West's top hitter this year with a .484 batting average, leading the squad in hits (46) and RBIs (37) while providing a steady glove at shortstop.

On the mound, Beaver is 4-1 with a 5.15 ERA, and he hasn't thrown a pitch in the postseason. Junior lefty Nathan Smith (11-0, 2.15) and senior righty Tyler Vaske (5-0, 2.94) have become the Firebirds' 1-2 punch on the hill.

"Tyler and Nate have both stepped up and been terrific starters for us, so they've allowed me to settle into the shortstop position," Beaver said. "I'd do anything for the team, so I'm fine with that."

Shortstop was a big question mark after the graduation of Brad Gschwind, who moved on to Miami University.

Beaver started the campaign as a second baseman and pitcher. Nobody claimed ownership of the shortstop position, so West coach Bill Dreisbach turned to Beaver near midseason.

"Early in the season, it was a revolving door at shortstop," Dreisbach said. "We were concerned about Beav being a shortstop and being a pitcher for us. We were trying to find a solution, and we didn't want to put him in that situation. But when we found we needed some stability at shortstop, we went to Bryan, and he's given us that."

Beaver said he got "roughed up" a couple times on the hill this year.

"It seemed like things wouldn't necessarily go my way like they did last year," said Beaver, who was 7-1 with a 2.16 ERA last season. "But I'm still 4-1, so I can't complain. The only stat that matters to me is that 'W.' I could have a 10.00 ERA, and if we still keep getting the wins, I'll give all the credit to my teammates."

Beaver said he thinks about last year's run from time to time, yet doesn't dwell on it. And Dreisbach said no one should be shocked if Beaver gets a chance to pitch at some point in Columbus.

The Firebirds (26-1) face Lakewood St. Edward in a state semifinal at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 5.

"Last year was a cool feeling because it was like that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Beaver said. "But it's not anymore because we're back. So I guess you could say it's a twice-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2194 or rcassano@coxohio.com.

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