Virginia Tech Baseball: Saige Jenco’s Impressive Start

May 26, 2013; Durham, NC, USA; A fly ball falls between Virginia Tech Hokies outfielders Mark Zagunis (2) and Kyle Wernicki (4) against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the ACC baseball tournament at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Virginia Tech Hokies are 3-2 so far on the baseball diamond after winning their home opener against Radford this past Tuesday by a score of 6 to 1. Manager Patrick Mason has had a solid start in his first season with key players like Mark Zagunis and Sean Keselica having solid starts to the season. Many other returning players like Alex Perez and Brad Markey have shown some improvement but there is one specific player that has stood out so far as a potential star down the road.

Redshirt freshman center fielder Saige Jenco has played very well in the first five games for the Hokies and is a player that could help Virginia Tech be a big surprise in the ACC. Saige Jenco has taken the starting center field job and has proven himself to be a great leadoff hitter that should bring tons of excitement on the diamond throughout the season. Jenco has already dominated from in the outfield and with his beaserunning which makes him a very early candidate for ACC Freshman of the Year.

Saige Jenco was seen as a guy who could provide a big speed threat on the basepaths and that is exactly what he has done so far. Jenco is 6 for 7 in his base stealing attempts which is quite impressive and something that every ACC team will have to be prepared for. Jenco also is batting .313 right now but the even more impressive statistic is the fact that Jenco’s on-base percentage of .522. That type of on-base percentage is a big reason why Jenco is one of the best leadoff hitters and table setters in all of the ACC which makes him a big impact hitter.

Saige Jenco has proven that he can also play some above-average defense which is critical for the success of Virginia Tech baseball in the long run. Jenco already has an outfield assist while only having one error which is very good for a redshirt freshman center fielder. Jenco’s fielding percentage is over .950 which is very good and shows that Jenco can not only make an impact at the plate and on the basepaths, but also in the outfield. Saige Jenco is definitely a breakout difference maker for a Virginia Tech baseball team that is ready to potentially surprise a lot of people in the ACC.

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