I had the privilege of catching a local high school game last week that featured the defending D.C. High School Baseball Champions from Maret versus conference rival Sidwell Friends.  A number of Baseball Factory players were featured in this match-up, but as the game unfolded two performances stood out among the rest:  Maret’s senior captain Andrew Culp (McLean, VA), who started the game for the Fighting Frogs, and his battery mate Austen Maggin (Potomac, MD).  It was evident from the start that Culp was in command of all of his pitches.  To compliment a strong command of his fastball, Culp was keeping his off-speed pitches down in the zone and consequently his opponents off balance the entire game.  As the final out was recorded Maret was up 10-0 and Culp had yet to allow a hit, let alone a run.  In the first no-hitter of his career, the senior RHP finished with nine strikeouts and helped Maret’s overall record to 3-1.  

I had the chance to catch up with Andrew after his big performance.  The Tulane University commit was very gracious, crediting a strong offseason training program and his catcher Austen Maggin for the success he’s enjoyed thus far in the 2013 season.

DM: Congratulations on an outstanding performance and your first no-hitter! It seemed like you had everything working for you.  Were certain pitches working especially well for youthroughout the game?

AC: Thank you. I was close last year, having pitched a one-hit game. This time I felt the fastball working all day, even during warm-ups. I was also able to keep the change-up down in thezone the whole game, which was huge.  The curve ball was also really working well and I was able to get some guys to swing and miss with it.

DM: I took notice of Austen’s performance throughout the game as well. How important was his effort as your catcher and fellow team captain during the game?

AC: Maggin has caught every bullpen session, every inning thus far. He is clutch behind the plate, a real workhorse. He works really well framing the pitch and does a great job working with the umpires.  It was great having him catch the no-hitter, with us both in our senior year and captains of the team. I wish I could bring him to Tulane with me (he’s committed to Lafayette) next year.

DM: You really dedicated yourself to getting better this offseason. What did you do differently? Is there something you worked on specifically that has already started to pay off for you this season?

AC: This offseason I really focused on my flexibility. I knew I had a solid foundation and could continue to build strength, but increasing my flexibility to really enhance this strength was a strong focus of mine during the offseason. I went to yoga once a week, which has really had an impact on my flexibility and mobility.  I also worked on heavy ball and light ball training to improve my velocity.  Rob Riley, my pitching instructor, was also a huge help in improving my game on the mound.

DM: I know you’ve been in (to Baseball Factory headquarters) to throw some extra sessions with our staff as well. How has working with Baseball Factory impacted your game?

AC: Working with you guys (Baseball Factory) has really helped my overall approach to the game as well as my work ethic.  It has also given me better direction and unlocked some of the power I have.  Your staff has really been instrumental throughout the recruiting process.

DM: We’re happy to hear that. Now that you’ve helped Maret to a 3-1 start, what expectations do you have for your team the rest of this season?

AC: Well in the conference tournament last year, we lost in the semi-finals.  We definitely want to win the conference outright, but also take home the championship.  We are also looking to defend our DC City title this year, so we got a lot of work ahead of us but I know we have what it takes.  

On behalf of everyone at the Factory, I’d like to congratulate Andrew once again on his outstanding, no-hit performance last week.  We wish both Andrew and Austen all the best for the remainder of their senior season and look forward to continuing to watch their careers excel at the next level!