There could be cause for concern after the Eastern baseball team was swept in its season-opening series against Southeastern Louisiana.

It could be a little troubling that junior right-hander Mike Recchia, the ace of last season’s staff, lasted only 3 1/3 innings, allowing a plethora of hits, walks and runs.

We could be worried that the bullpen could not hold a lead in game one and that the offense went to sleep in game three. All of these could be cause for worry.

But in the grand scheme of things, the season-opening sweep is over. Gone. Kaput.

The Panthers could not practice outside during their entire spring training.

The pitchers could not throw off a mound and the fielders were not fielding on a natural surface.

Meanwhile, their opponents were practicing outdoors where the sun was shining and the temperature was in the 60s.

Eastern head coach Jim Schmitz would not use the lack of ideal practice conditions as an excuse for his team’s poor play, but it is sufficient to say the conditions played a factor.

The Panthers cannot worry about the early season’s poor play. And I am confident they will not let it get inside their heads.

Veterans like designated hitter Richie Derbak, first baseman Alex Gee and shortstop Cam Strang will help the hitters and fielders keep their heads on straight.

Likewise, Recchia and right-hander Josh Mueller have been a presence on that pitching staff for a couple years now. They will play a vital role in ensuring the likes of Mike Martin and Matt Miller, relievers without quite as much experience, do not dwell over their problems.

The early season series play a vital role in preparing teams for conference play, and winning the Ohio Valley Conference is the team’s ultimate goal.

Working out the kinks and getting through the struggles during these first couple weeks is key. As Schmitz said before the series: “It’s always nice to win, but getting ready for OVC play is always the key.”

That’s the mindset the coaching staff needs to have, and Schmitz leads the way. But on the players’ minds winning should be everything.

While they know in the back of their heads that these games are not as meaningful as when they play Jacksonville State or Austin Peay, they should play every game with the intensity of a conference championship, and to this point they have.

And that’s all fine and dandy, but winning is not everything, at least not at this point in the season. The Panthers will be just fine. They will work through these early problems and it is safe to say once OVC play comes around, they will be right back on top.

Collin Whitchurch can be reached at 581-7944 or cfwhitchurch@eiu.edu.