Illinois State baseball has been on a roll this spring and Like Stulga is a big reason why.
A steadying influence for the Redbirds — who were 30-20 through May 9 – the 2023 St. Laurence graduate was leading the team in triples (five) and was third in RBIs (32), fourth in doubles (12) and fifth in batting average (.296) and runs scored (29).
“This year, the focus for me was just becoming more ‘hitter-ish’ at the plate and being able to hit close to all fields,” Stulga said. “I didn’t want to leave many spots for pitchers to have holes on me.
“The key has been producing runs when there are guys on base and trying to keep balls low and hard,” the junior center fielder said. “I’m just trying to move guys around out there and produce. That’s been the key because when you have the team in mind, and the team is your focus, the rest is going to take care of itself and the individual stuff happens on that side.”
In his second season as the starter in center, Stulga also has excelled with the glove, posting a .984 fielding percentage with one assist and just two errors.
“One of my biggest strengths probably is my defense,” he said. “I think I’m an above-average outfielder and that gives me a great chance to play every single day. Even though the bat may come and go and sometimes you’re in slumps … the glove stays consistent.
“I know that the pitchers appreciate that. I think my athleticism out there really shows up day-to-day in center.”
The opposing coaches in the Missouri Valley Conference also have an appreciation for Stulga’s skills. Earlier this season, he was chosen the MVC Player of the Week for March 17. Against Saint Louis and Western Illinois, Stulga was a combined 13-for-25 with eight RBIs.
“I just caught some good fuel on (March 10 in an 8-5 victory over Saint Louis),” Stulga said. “I had three hits that day and then over the weekend against Western Illinois, I just kept that fuel going the whole time. I got a lot of at-bats and there were a lot of chances to produce out there. I ended up getting 13 hits, so it was a good week.”
This marked the first time Stulga was recognized by the MVC.
“I was super-honored to get that,” Stulga said. “There’s a lot of good talent every week and there are a lot of guys balling out. The fact that I was able to put up as many hits as I did and then have the week that I did, it showed that I really belonged and I was one of the better bats in the Valley.
“It was a cool recognition for myself and for the team.”