Nikola Vasic providing spark in SIU lineup

Nikola Vasic wanted to be the spark of the Southern Illinois baseball team heading into his senior campaign. He has proved to be just that throughout the 2019 season and once again showed it in SIU's 4-3 road win over top-50 RPI ranked Arkansas State.

At the leadoff spot, Vasic reached base in all four plate appearances with two hits and two walks drawn. The two hits upped his average to .273 (24-for-88), while the two free bases were his 18th and 19th of season.

"My approach versus Arkansas State had to do with laying off pitches I don't succeed with," Vasic said. "Against Butler, I kind of got away from that and it showed. So I just tried to stay discipline, look for pitches to hit, stick with my approach, keep balls on a line, and it worked out today.

At the halfway point of the season, Vasic leads SIU or is tied for the top spot amongst starters in batting average (.273), hits (24), triples (3), runs (26), on-base percentage (.420), OPS (.852) stolen bases (14), walks (19) and total bases (38).

"The biggest thing has been not trying to do too much," Vasic said. "Last season, I had trouble getting under a lot of balls and most of my outs were flyouts. This year, I have been trying to keep everything low since I am not a big power guy and it makes me a better player when I do."

When keeping the ball on the ground and hitting line drives, the McHenry County College transfer has shown how dominate he can be due to his quickness and speed. Measured at a lean 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, he is consistently a threat to reach on an infield single and swipe second, third or home when on the base paths. The talent has translated to 14 stolen bases, three triples and 26 runs scored, which each rank second in the eight-team Missouri Valley Conference.

"This offseason I focused on my speed," Vasic said. "My speed and running on the bases is my biggest asset. I also worked on simplifying my swing, not having as many moving parts to it, and getting more consistent barrels. To do that, I have been looking to just hit the top of the ball. Not necessarily chop at it, but in my mind I gotta think to hit the top and put a level on my swing."

Even with the flyout struggles, the second baseman impressed as a newcomer for SIU last season, as he started every game and reached base in 54 of the final 56 games. His play earned him Honorable Mention All-MVC.

Now a veteran in the Saluki lineup, Vasic is prepared and confident for conference play, which begins on Friday at Itchy Jones Stadium versus Missouri State.

"I just gotta try and continue to be that spark," Vasic said. "My job is to get on base, hit balls hard and lead by a good example."

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