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By Joseph Staszewski
Brooklyn Daily
Alex Cuas is thriving in his role as the ace pitcher of the Grand Street baseball team.
The right hander, though only a junior, is comfortable with the pressure of playing for the defending Public School Athletic League Class A champions. Cuas has been looking forward to the challenge of a repeat title ever since former ace Gerry Gonzalez pitched the Wolves to the school’s first ever crown.
“I love having the pressure on me,” Cuas said. “I love the atmosphere. I love it. It’s a feeling that is irreplaceable.”
So far, he’s been exceptional.
In six regular season starts, Cuas has allowed just two earned runs, earning five wins. After a season opening loss to Telecommunications, Cuas has tossed 29 scoreless league innings.
He’s struck out 58 batters and walked just five in 34 innings of work. This has helped Grand Street to another Brooklyn A East crown, a No. 6 seed in the playoffs and another chance to win the city title.
“I know every time he pitches it is going to be a good outing,” senior outfielder Santo Duran said. “You expect a lot from him.”
Cuas’ performance has caught the eyes of Major League Baseball scouts, who often come down to watch him pitch. He consistently throws above 85 miles per hour, and occasionally touches the low 90’s. Cuas throws four pitches: a fastball, a curveball and two different change ups that keep hitters off balance. Grand Street coach Melvin Martinez believes continued work in the weight room will get Cuas the extra miles per hour he needs to further impress scouts and Division I baseball coaches.
“We are going to get Alex to get some muscle strength in his legs, back and triceps and hopefully that will catapult him to at least throw consistently in the low 90s,” Martinez said. “If he does that, he is going to get drafted.”
Cuas finds comfort in the recruiting and draft process and is growing more confident talking about himself. He watched brother, Jose, go through the same process last season. Jose now plays shortstop at the University of Maryland. Watching his brother succeed gave Alex, a high-80’s student, something to strive for in his own life.
“I want to be in that atmosphere, a college atmosphere,” he said. “I want to be in the pro atmosphere.”
Reach reporter Joseph Staszewski at jstaszewski@cnglocal.com. Follow him on twitter @cng_staszewski.