Alex Bolmer understands how a rough start to a season doesn’t always indicate a worse finish.

The sophomore has been the Rough Riders’ front line starter throughout this season, and he has been winless through his first four starts. However, Bolmer has been the victim of a lack of support, as the Roughies began his week with a 0-10 record.

Bolmer has a 0-4 record with a 4.70 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 22 innings. Yet, Bolmer has walked 12 batters and he has hit eight.

“Our season can definitely be going better than it has been, but we can’t change the past,” stressed Bolmer. “Speaking for myself, though, I’m proud of what I’ve been doing on the mound, but I can definitely do better and contribute more by lowering my walks and hitting batters.

Head coach Steve Bradley is confident that it is just a matter of time before Bolmer finds his stride.

“Alex has been throwing well enough to win his last three starts,” said Bradley. “He has really done a nice job. He has a better feel for the situations out there, and he is gaining confidence.

“We feel he can have a good second half of the season.”

Bolmer caught the Catty coaches’ eyes when he had a solid Connie Mack season this past summer. He focused on his four-seam fastball and his curveball, and also experimented with a two-seam fastball and changeup.

This spring, Bolmer has been primarily throwing two pitches.

“This year I’m throwing a two-seam fastball and a curveball,” said Bolmer. “My pitches been working as planned but there is always room for improvement.”

Bolmer is positive his team can rebound after their slow start.

“We have the players and the skill to have a great team we just haven’t shown it yet,” he said. “In the second half of the year, I think we will turn it around.”

Bradley knows his pitchers need support.

“Besides Alex, Matt Fotta has been throwing well lately, and Reece Lopez is starting to give us good innings closing games. The team has to back these guys up at the plate and in the field.”