Nate Cotton said there is a simple explanation for his unorthodox sidearm delivery.
"I wanted to be different," the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks closer said Saturday before F-M played Kansas City. "I didn't want to be your average right-hander."
Cotton has been better than average lately. In his last 12 appearances, the right-hander hasn't allowed a run.
Cotton last gave up a run on July 15. Entering Saturday, he had a 2.41 ERA and led the league with 18 saves.
"I'm a lot sharper because I have had a lot more opportunities to be out there," Cotton said. "It's easy to develop a rhythm when you are out there on a regular basis."
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In his eighth professional season, Cotton has only pitched out of the bullpen as a pro. In high school and college, he was a starting pitcher.
Cotton said he started to develop his sidearm motion when he played infield in high school. On routine ground balls, he would sling the ball across the diamond to first base.
Cotton has 126 saves in his professional career.
"That's my job," Cotton said. "I love it. As a closer, you know your role and you can develop a routine."
Fastballs
The RedHawks have an off day Monday. Left-handed pitcher Joe Sergent (4-1, 4.24 ERA) is slated to start Tuesday for F-M as it starts a three-game series against Joliet. ... Former RedHawks outfielder Jon Weber was batting .343 with three doubles, one triple, three home runs and 11 runs in his first 19 games with Durham in the Triple-A International League. Weber started the season with the RedHawks. ... The RedHawks played in front of a sellout crowd of 4,837 fans Saturday at Newman Outdoor Field. ... Kansas City catcher Pat Arlis, who sat out Saturday, was suspended two games for bumping home-plate umpire Hank Himmanen during Friday's game.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Eric Peterson at (701) 241-5513.
Peterson's prep sports blog can be found at www.areavoices.com
