Coach Paul Stevens’ mantra is simple: “Pitch and play defense.”

“If we can do that,” Stevens said, “we can compete with anyone.”

The statement has proven surprisingly applicable, especially when it comes to the Wildcats’ play in the field.

Eight of the Cats’ 10 conference losses have come when the team has two or more errors, and Northwestern is 4-10 when it commits more errors than its opponent. The Cats have averaged 1.67 errors a game, including 10 last weekend against Ohio State, and are tied for eighth in the Big Ten in fielding percentage (.953).

Shortstop Tommy Finn said he feels the team’s defensive problems are just a matter of focus.

“Sometimes we just get careless,” Finn said. “Especially the easy ones. We take our eye off the ball or it takes a bad hop. We just got to stay focused.”

To prep for this weekend’s games, centerfielder Aaron Newman said the team has got to work on staying aware of each other on the field.

“Our biggest thing is communicating,” Newman said. “We work on a lot in the winter and in the fall, being ready, knowing who is going where. That will be big this week.”

WALK IT OUT

For Stevens, the key to effective pitching comes down to two things.

“Challenge hitters and throw strikes,” Stevens said. “It’s as easy as that.”

While the Cats’ young pitching staff has exceeded expectations