COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS NOTEBOOK: ON THE ATTACK, COUGARS PUMP ENERGY INTO GAME - AND WIN.

Byline: Nathan Brown  Staff writer

There are two outs and a man on second base. If you hit a line drive through the infield, you won't have to run as much. If you hit a line drive to the opposite field, you won't have to run as much.

If everyone can do this, you won't have to run at all.

Welcome to one of the practice drills College of the Canyons baseball coach Chris Cota is employing to bring a heightened energy level to his team. It's working.

The Cougars (14-13 overall, 8-4 Western State Conference) are using an offensive resurgence that has led to a six-game winning streak, during which they have outscored opponents 45-19.

"We have more high-energy practices," Cota said. "Confidence starts in practice and carries over to the games. We're a little more constructive, you could say."

Third baseman Kyle Eveland, who is not a huge fan of running, welcomes the drills.

"We start with a certain amount of running," said Eveland, a Palmdale High product, "but you can hit your way out of it. Last practice, we didn't have to run at all. It keeps things fun."

Even starting pitcher Mike Robbins, who has the mundane task of shagging flyballs during the drills, agrees.

"We're hitting more," Robbins said. "That's for sure. We're having more fun, and we're not too stressed."

Robbins (5-2) has progressed from a prospective relief pitcher to the No. 4 starter to the No. 2 starter while putting together an efficient 3.77 ERA on a team-high 45 innings pitched.

"Robbins has been the most consistent (pitcher)," Cota said. "He continues to throw strikes and pitch well. We pretty much know what to expect from him."

Outfielder Jeff Knosp, a Saugus High product, has shined at the plate. He's hitting better than .500 in Western State Conference play.

"He's got a nice, short swing right now," Cota said. "He's spraying the ball all over the field."

COC, tied with Bakersfield (16-13, 8-4) for second in the conference, faces first-place Pierce (21-6, 10-2) today in Woodland Hills and Friday at home.

"The last time we played them," Eveland said of a 12-1 loss Feb. 23, "we started off with a couple of errors. And if you don't have quality at-bats, (a win) won't happen."

Robbins, who gets the start today against the Brahmas, feels confident.

"I've heard lately that Pierce has been in a slump," Robbins said. "They've cooled off. ... I know who to pitch around and who to pitch to."

--Tested depth: COC's softball team must overcome the loss of freshman pitcher Tori Rocco (Valencia) and sophomore infielder Hannah Lau (Saugus) to injuries.

Lau, batting .408 overall, will miss the rest of the season with a fractured finger suffered during practice Saturday. Rocco, with a 0.79 ERA, is out indefinitely after hurting her pitching arm and shoulder in a car accident.

Megan Harrison (7-2) and Valencia product Ashley Kirk (9-7) will handle most of the pitching duties in Rocco's absence, and sophomore Rachel Ross will fill in for Lau.

The Cougars (18-11-1, 5-0), who lead the Western State Conference, will play Saturday in the Ventura College tournament.

nate.brown(at)dailynews.com

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College of the Canyons has lost freshman pitcher Tori Rocco because of injuries.

David Crane/Staff Photographer