Being a starter on the varsity baseball team at Brandywine is nothing new for junior Zack Grishaber.

He’s been a starter for all three years.

But Bobcats baseball coach Dave Sidenbender sees a big difference in Grishaber’s approach to playing baseball.

“Last year, toward the end of the year, he wasn’t very comfortable or patient at the plate,” said Sidenbender. “This year, he’s been more patient and confident. As you get older that happens.”

Batting leadoff, Grishaber has ignited Brandywine’s offense. Through May 12, Grishaber was batting .431 with seven RBIs. He scored 20 runs, had 22 walks and a .602 on-base percentage.

When he’s not batting, Grishaber has been a solid defender in left field and center field and he’s pitched well. Over 12 innings, Grishaber has gone 1-0 with one save and a 3.50 earned-run average. He’s struck out seven batters and walked only one.

“He’s always played great in the field.” Sidenbender said. “There’s never been an issue there at all.”

“I feel like I play a bigger role compared to other years,” said Grishaber, who also batted leadoff last year. “I just want to get hits and if somebody is on base advance them. You have a pretty big responsibility batting leadoff. You figure into the momentum of the game when you’re the first batter.”

Momentum created by Grishaber on offense and defense has helped the Bobcats put together a great season. Brandywine was ranked third in Division III and owned a 17-4 record through May 12.

“We’re all pretty close and hang out,” Grishaber said on what’s been the difference this year for the team. “We have that bond.

The Bobcats finished with a 6-2 BCS Athletic Conference West Division record with a share of the division title with Buchanan. The Bucks gained a share of the division title after sweeping the Bobcats in a doubleheader, 6-0 and 6-1, on May 12.

Grishaber singled in the sixth inning in game one and broke up Jarrett Thomas’ no-hitter. Grishaber singled and walked in game two. Defensively, he had five put-outs playing left field. Grishaber came in to pitch with no outs in the fourth inning and he allowed no runs and two hits over the three innings he worked.

“I didn’t do the greatest,” Grishaber said about his own play against Buchanan. “I always want to do the best I can. I felt I did OK. I wanted to throw strikes as a pitcher and let my defense make plays.”

Sidenbender had a different reaction to how Grishaber performed against the Bucks.

“I was really happy with the way Zack played (against Buchanan),” the Bobcats coach said. “He was in a tough situation pitching-wise. Pitching is a new thing for him this year. He’s taken to it well and he gave us a chance in the second game.

“I expect him to hit. He’s our leadoff hitter and he’s been doing a great job getting on base.”

For Grishaber, experience is the best teacher.