Schmidt seeks ticket to big time
Daniel Schmidt is under no illusion that his future in the United States depends on success in the Australian Baseball League.
The 22-year-old has carried Perth Heat's pitching this season, giving up runs in just two of the 27 innings he has been on the mound.
He leads the ABL in wins and has a strike-out/walk ratio that is certain to attract the attention of US Major League scouts following the rebirth of the ABL competition.
Schmidt has played a pivotal role in the Heat's rise but is seeking greater efficiency during the second half of the season, starting with the home series against Canberra Cavalry at Thornlie tonight.
Heat coach Brooke Knight praised his star pitcher.
"Daniel Schmidt has been the catalyst among our pitchers and has been dominant all season," Knight said.
"He commands the ball and keeps it down over the plate, giving us a chance to win every time."
Schmidt said the past three years in the US Minor League system had improved his game and it was now a matter of trying to be consistent.
"The ABL is a far stronger competition than the former Claxton Shield because of the addition of the US affiliates," he said.
Perth host Canberra in a four-game series, with the Brisbane Bandits at home against Adelaide Bite and top team Sydney Blue Sox taking on Melbourne Aces in Melbourne.
