CAR notes: Wieland getting ahead

Baseball can be a complex game, but Myrtle Beach pitcher Joe Wieland has found success this season by keeping things simple.

Wieland has focused hard on staying ahead in the count and being unafraid of pitching to contact. That's a big reason why he hasn't walked a batter in his last 48 1/3 innings and remains in constant command. The right-hander is 5-3 with a 1.53 ERA in 10 games, including 70 strikeouts and just three walks this season.

Many pitchers aren't comfortable pitching to contact. But Myrtle Beach manager Jason Wood said the coaching staff has told Pelicans pitchers from day one not to worry about that since they play in a big ballpark. Wieland combined that theory with staying ahead in the count, and he's become very tough to hit.

"That's been kind of our team philosophy," Wieland said. "Get ahead of guys, pound the zone. You can pitch deep into games if you get ahead of guys. The second you get behind, that's when you start getting into trouble. I've just been getting ahead of guys and putting them away."

What Wieland's done during his last 48 1/3 innings shows how effective he's become. He has five victories and 60 strikeouts during that time while twice earning Carolina League Pitcher of the Week honors.

Wieland pitched well during his first three seasons in the Minors, posting a 20-14 record after the Rangers made him a fourth-round pick in 2008. But there's a big difference in this year's statistics.

He posted an 11-7 record last year with two teams, finishing with a 4.07 ERA while opposing batters hit .264 against him. But hitters this season have just a .222 average so far.

"He fills up the zone as much as he possibly can; he doesn't throw too many balls," Wood said. "That puts hitters on edge because they know whatever he throws is going to be close to the strike zone. He's always around the zone."

Wieland got hit in his first few starts at the Class A Advanced level last year, but said he learned from those troubles. He came into this season determined to get ahead of batters and throw the pitches that he wanted.

"I have to get ahead of guys," he said. "I've been getting ahead of guys and getting into pitcher's counts, a lot of 0-2, 1-2. I've been able to put guys away and rack up the strikeouts. I don't have to come into the hitters."

Wood said Wieland's approach of staying ahead in the count and not being afraid of pitching to contact has helped his stats in a big way.

"He toes the rubber every five days, and he's worrying about pounding the bottom of the zone," Wood said. "He's been doing that so far, and it's paid off in his numbers."

Time for a sweep: Lynchburg certainly is playing better after its slow start -- just ask Potomac. The Hillcats picked up a four-game sweep over the Nationals last weekend, and they did it by winning doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday.

Butler did it: Salem's Dan Butler went 3-for-4 with two homers and seven RBIs in Monday's 7-6 victory over Lynchburg. He hit a two-run blast in the sixth inning and followed that with a walk-off grand slam in the ninth to give the Red Sox the victory.

Looking for power: Kinston's offensive problems have continued even though the team is tied for second in the Southern Division. The Indians rank last with a .229 batting average and a league-low 22 homers and 173 runs.

Patience a virtue: Myrtle Beach third baseman Michael Olt has a .296 average but often helps the Pelicans with his ability to stay patient at the plate. Olt led the league in walks (33) and on-base percentage (.414) through Monday's action.