What a difference a year has made for Pacific Lutheran University Lutes baseball player Jacob Gleichman.

Gleichman, who plays the coveted pitcher position, had an ERA of 8.51 in 10 appearances during his junior season in 2016.

In his final season of collegiate baseball, the 2013 Skyline High School graduate has simply dominated on the bump for the Lutes. Gleichman has put together a 4-1 record in seven starts, boasting a sterling ERA of 2.66.

“I have been pitching a lot better than I did last year. I’ve really focused on listening to the coaches and what they have taught me. I’m using the ability that I’ve known I have had my whole life. I didn’t really utilize that last year,” Gleichman said. “I just honestly have been getting up on the mound and competing as hard as I can and not ever thinking that the other team is better than me. I’m giving it all I’ve got. Mentally, I know that I’m here to battle and whoever steps in the [batter’s] box, I don’t care who they are, I’m going to outpitch them to the best of my ability. That is not going to work all the time, but that is the kind of mentality you have to take to the mound.”

Gleichman said the key to his success on the hill is his pinpoint accuracy.

“I’m not a guy that is going to blow a fastball by you. I’m a strike thrower and am a low-ball pitcher. I can locate really well. I can succeed in making guys get themselves out as far as ground balls,” he said.

The Lutes, who competed at the NCAA Division III regionals in 2016, are determined to go as far as they possibly can during the 2017 season.

They are off to a good start, tallying an overall record of 17-5 midway through the season.

“We want to make it to regionals. We have full expectations of doing that again,” Gleichman said. “I think we really have the ability on this team to do so. Obviously, you’ve got to win a regional to get to the College World Series. It is no easy task, there is a lot of talented teams. As of right now, we are one of the best teams in the Northwest Conference. The goal every year is to get to the World Series, but in order to do so, we have to take things one game at a time.”

Recently, the Issaquah Reporter had an opportunity to ask Gleichman a few questions about his life outside of the baseball diamond.

Issaquah Reporter: What is your favorite eatery in Parkland?

Jacob Gleichman: UNI Teriyaki. It is a good teriyaki spot right down the street.

IR: Who was your favorite sports team growing up?

JG: Seattle Mariners. I’m all about them all the time.

IR: Who was your idol growing up?

JG: My father. He has a great work ethic, is consistent and stays level-minded. He is really diligent in his work ethic and doesn’t allow things to get to him. I have always tried to work that into my life as much as possible. I think that is helping in baseball, too, with just staying even keeled as much as I can.

IR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

JG: I have always been a natural-born skier. I have done it since I was 6 years old. I haven’t done it the past few years due to college, but I can ride it like a bike and pick it up again no problem.

IR: If you could pick one person to go to dinner with, who would it be?

JG: Derek Jeter. That would be sweet.

IR: What kind of music are you listening to the most on your iPod?

JG: I listen to everything really. I have been listening to some Drake, Future and John Mayer. I like a pretty good variety of music.