Last Friday – as he had done so many times before as a Roswell Hornet – Andrew Smith took the baseball, climbed atop the mound and got to work.

Smith was spectacular in Roswell’s season opener at home versus Union Grove. The 6-foot-2-inch, 190-pound senior stymied the Wolverines to the tune of two hits over six innings pitched. The right-hander also fanned 10 batters in the 2-0 Roswell victory.

“Every time he goes out there, we’ve got a chance to win,” said head coach Mike Power, who earned his 400th career victory on Friday, thanks in large part to Smith.

“I love guys who get out there and are focused. He’s all business and comes right after you.”

Smith attacks opposing hitters with confidence in his command of all three pitches, according to Power. A developed plus breaking ball complements Smith’s low-90s fastball and change-up.

As a junior, Smith led the staff in wins (six) and struck out 54 batters in 62 innings. He earned Under Armour All-American honors in 2009, and has signed with college powerhouse University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

“When we’re at practice he’s always focused, getting work in or helping someone else,” said Power of Smith, an RHS co-captain. “He’s been a real good leader for us.”