Syracuse’s power struggles have limited game-changing hits

Out of 296 teams in Division I, Syracuse has ranked among the best in extra-base hits over the past two seasons. Last year, the Orange tallied 76 doubles, the 15th best mark in the nation. In 2018, it ranks first in the country in triples with 15. But despite SU’s ability to find gaps in the outfield and put runners in scoring position, its offense still lacks a power-hitting identity.

Syracuse (16-14, 4-7 Atlantic Coast) has hit just two home runs so far this season, ranking third-to-last in Division I. Since joining the ACC in 2013, the Orange has hit at least 30 home runs each season, including 58 in 2014. Syracuse is on pace to end the season with less than four home runs. SU’s inability to clear the fences has limited the potential of its offense by preventing comeback opportunities and game-changing hits.

“That’s a little bit of a glaring stat that we’d like to improve on,” head coach Mike Bosch said about Syracuse’s lack of home run hitting. “To get that clutch two-run or three-run home run to tie the game or put you ahead is huge. We’re working on it.”

Out of SU’s 32 home runs last season, 14 came from seniors, including a team-high nine from Sydney O’Hara. Coming into this season, the Orange knew it would suffer a slight drop in home runs, as SU’s top offensive players hit for contact more than they do for power, SU outfielder Alicia Hansen said. But hitting just two through 30 games has raised concerns Bosch didn’t think he’d be faced with.

While Bosch noted Syracuse is “working on” its power-hitting problems, Hansen and Bryce Holmgren, SU’s top two hitters, believe stringing together multiple base-hits is just as useful as hitting a home run. The Orange’s strengths are suited more for contact-hitting and baserunning, Hansen said, so the team’s focus should be on the things it does well, rather than trying to hit home runs.

“It’s no different than getting a baserunner on then getting them in,” Hansen said. “It’s a lot easier to get that with one swing, but if we’re capable of doing all the little things to score instead, I think that’s fine.”

For SU, doubles and triples have not had the same impact as home runs. The Orange scores 4.5 runs a game, ranking 114th in the country. Thanks to its flurry of long balls last season, Syracuse averaged 5.4 runs a game, the 29th best clip in Division I. Against the top pitchers in the ACC, Bosch said, SU might only get one chance to change the game, so it can’t rely on multiple hits to get the job done.

The Orange’s power-hitting struggles are affected by its rigorous, travel-filled schedule, Bosch noted. After starting the season with 28 straight away games, SU will play 15 of its final 23 games at Skytop Softball Stadium. In those 28 away games, at least 20 were played at stadiums with field dimensions larger than Syracuse’s (200 feet down the lines, 215 feet to center). Familiarity with its home field and shorter distances to the fence will “help (Syracuse) a big deal,” Bosch said.

In tournament play and against its first two conference opponents (Virginia Tech and Virginia), the Orange was able to get away with minimal power hitting while notching a 15-8 record. Since, they have lost six of seven against higher quality opponents. If Syracuse wants to have a chance against the ACC’s best, it will need important, run-producing hits in the form of home runs.

“Obviously a long ball is good every once in a while,” Holmgren said. “But we’re learning to work around it and trying to find success without it.”