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Junior Dylan Haslam has been one of the top hitters for the Granger baseball team since he started getting significant playing time as a sophomore last season. He has also been one of the Lancers' most reliable outfielders.

Out of nowhere, Haslam has now become one of the team's best pitchers.

"I pitched when I was in Little League, but I eventually just played outfield," Haslam said. "Then during this offseason, I read a book on pitching and I starting doing a throwing program. By the time the season started, I was throwing a lot harder and more accurately than before."

Granger coach Garrett Clark said Haslam's sudden emergence as a pitcher has been a surprise.

"He was second on the team in hitting last year, and this year he is hitting about .380," Clark said. "He is our best center fielder, so we weren't sure if he would pitch at all. He didn't pitch varsity last year, but he came in this year with much more velocity on his fastball."

That offseason of work was all it took for Haslam to turn into Granger's No. 2 starter. Although he hadn't pitched for a while, Haslam was preparing himself to take the spot without even realizing it. He has been consistently lifting weights and working out.

Haslam is also the new quarterback of the Granger football team, though he said baseball is his passion. So while he was tossing the football around every day, he was building strength in his pitching arm.

Haslam came into the week with a 2-2 record, but Clark said the Lancers' defense has not done a great job helping out pitchers this season. Clark believes Haslam does well because hitters struggle to read him.

"He won't blow you away with his fastball, but he has a very unique, slow delivery that lulls hitters to sleep and the ball just sneaks up on them," Clark said.

Clark has no doubt that Haslam will continue to hit and play top-notch defense as the Lancers march forward in Region 2. He also feels confident that Haslam will improve as a pitcher and evolve into one of the team's leaders next season.

For now, Haslam is content to set the tone for Granger from the hill.

"I have always loved to pitch," he said. "I just love having total control of the game." —

Big number • 5. The Tooele softball team has defeated crosstown rival Stansbury in all five meetings between the two schools.

Big player • Cyprus baseball's junior outfielder Jordan Quinn entered the week ranked second in Class 4A in doubles with six. He was third in triples with two.

Big game • Cyprus at East boys soccer. Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. This is a crucial early Region 6 matchup for two potential playoff teams.