IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers HOT START—Newbury Park High's Michael Dennis entered the week with a .563 batting average. It's tough to find an area where Michael Dennis isn't contributing on the baseball field.

While those in the know anticipated the Newbury Park High junior first baseman to be a solid hitter this season, hardly anyone expected Dennis to have the type of impact he's had on the mound.

"I started one game on the mound last year, but our head coach (Scott Drootin) decided that he needed me more with the bat," Dennis said. "He didn't want to me to do both, which is difficult as a sophomore."

With numerous NPHS hurlers on the mend this year with injuries, Dennis was thrust into pitching more innings. Thus far, he hasn't disappointed anyone, including first-year head coach Chuck Berrington.

"I saw him pitch a little in the offseason, and I figured he might work some of the weaker innings for us," the coach said. "I told him we wouldn't use him that much, but lately he's filled a big hole for me on the mound. In a way he's kind of been a great savior for us."

In a non-league game earlier this season against Camarillo, Dennis gave up just one hit and no runs in five innings of work.

The right-hander has a 2.33 ERA while striking out 11 batters this season.

The 17yearold Dennis attributes a lot of his early-season pitching success to NPHS coach Rich Rodriguez, a former hurler for the San Diego Padres and Anaheim Angels.

"We talk after just about every inning on what I'm doing right and wrong," Dennis said of Rodriguez.

"For example, after last Friday's game at Westlake, he told me that my curveball was going straight down rather than across. He also told me that in times where my curveball isn't working I need to work on another pitch. His famous saying is, 'Less is more.'"

Dennis said he's avoided trying to strike out every batter, opting instead to let his defense take care of business.

"I tend to be nervous in the first inning," Dennis said. "Then I'll get a groundball and I'll calm down. I'll realize that I have a great defense behind me and I can rely on them."

While Dennis has been tremendous on the mound, his performance at the plate has been out of this world.

Entering Wednesday's home game against Simi Valley, Dennis was batting .563 with one home run and 11 RBI. He's currently hitting third in the lineup.

"Last year I batted in the third spot, but it was more of a role of setting the table for guys like Brad Greve and JoJo Sharrar," Dennis said. "Now that they've graduated, it's my job to be a run producer.

"I'm in a good situation because Jack Marder almost always leads off with a hit or a walk, and Nick Lovullo has done a great job of moving guys over. So every time I come up to the plate, there's someone in scoring position."

Although he's looked upon to drive in more runs, Dennis feels no added pressure.

"There's not just one or two guys on this team that can hit," Dennis said. "Everyone can. Guys like me and Marder aren't afraid to take a walk because we are confident the person behind us can drive us in and get the job done."

Berrington believes there's another reason for Dennis' increased offensive production.

"He's become more of a consistent hitter, and I think a lot of that has to do with his swing," Berrington said.

"He holds his hands up really high like Gary Sheffield, but his swing has been cut down, especially with two strikes."

When he's not pitching, Dennis spends time on the field at first base and shortstop, but Berrington said he's comfortable inserting Dennis just about anywhere.

"He's a valuable commodity for us," Berrington said. "Not only can he play short and first, but he can play third or second from time to time.

"He's a very smart ballplayer, and he's applied the right kind of attitude in everything he does. He's probably never played the piano, but if I told him to do it, he probably could find a way."