Friday, sophomore pitcher Chris Vaculik helped solve one part of the puzzle of the Eastern pitching staff.

After spending most of the early season in the bullpen as the closer, Vaculik had his second start of the season and his first collegiate win.

The right-hander threw a complete game three-hitter against Tennessee-Martin, leading the Panthers to a 3-1 victory.

For his stellar performance Vaculik earned the Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the week, his first OVC honor.

“We needed (the win) to get us going,” Eastern head coach Jimmy Schmitz said. “That really shifted the momentum our way.”

But Vaculik doesn’t take all the credit for the win in which he struck out six Shyhawk batters.

“Our defense played really well,” Vaculik said.

As a closer last season, Vaculik made 25 relief appearances with a 5.22 ERA, a 5-1 record and six saves. He also showed great control striking out 39 batters and walking just 18.

During fall practice this season, Vaculik was expected to make the transition to a starter, but losses in relief pitching forced Schmitz to move him back to the bullpen.

“It was kind of disappointing because I thought we had a solid bullpen,” Vaculik said. “After we lost guys, I kind of volunteered to go back to closer.”

Over spring break Vaculik got his first start of the season when he pitched against Arkansas State. But his five-hit, one-run outing wasn’t enough to lift the Panthers over the Indians.

Vaculik was switched from closer to starter to help fill a void left by injured senior pitcher Ted Juske. And so far, the transition has been smooth.

“When you’re closing there’s no room for error – either you’re great or you’re bad,” Schmitz said. “It’s different with starting, but for Chris, it doesn’t matter.

“He just says, ‘Give me the ball.'”

Schmitz said he’ll still expect Vaculik to be used in some relief and closing positions on top of his duties as a starter. Vaculik said he’d possibly close mid-week games and then start the second or third game on a weekend.

“It’ll take more preparation mid-week to make sure I don’t burn myself out,” Vacuik said. “I’m sure Coach will have me on a pitch count.”

No matter what role Schmitz puts Vaculik in, starter or closer, he’s just glad to get out on the mound.

“Whatever gets me in the game,” Vaculik said. “Whatever gets me the ball.”