Flawless on the diamond

He does not hit 500-foot home runs that land on the shores of Lake Washington. He does not make leaping, run-stealing catches against the outfield walls. He does not turn spectacular diving double plays up the middle.

He cannot succeed three out of 10 times and receive honors like most Hall of Fame ballplayers.

When he comes in, there is no room for mistakes. It is put up or shut up -- and he is not the quiet type.

His name is Will Fenton, a closer for the playoff-bound No. 23 Washington baseball team and perhaps the most dominant relief pitcher in college baseball.

Typically known for high-scoring contests that are often attributed to the "pop" associated with metal bats, the thought of college baseball infrequently conjures images of defense and stellar pitching.

However, the sophomore righty does not seem intimidated by offensively equipped opponents looking to score.

In 30 innings of relief pitching this season, Fenton has not allowed a run to score. That means in 16 appearances -- during which he faced 101 batters -- never once did anyone ever cross home plate.

This season, Fenton overpowered those in the batter's box on the way to a 0.00 ERA, earning a 2-0 record with a league-leading 10 saves.

"I've never seen a streak like the one he has going," said Husky coach Ken Knutson. "He has great stuff, great command and unbelievable confidence."

The route to Fenton's present prowess was not a smooth one, however.

"I got a slow start because I had mono before the season started," admitted Fenton, who said he dropped more than 20 pounds due to illness this fall.

The most obvious, and perhaps the most reasonable explanation for Fenton's success can be attributed to the overwhelming confidence he brings to the game.

"When he is out there, he is completely confident," said senior shortstop Tila Reynolds. "He knows that no one can touch him."

His presence on the mound silences hitters and draws cheers from fans.

"When he goes out there, it's lights out," added left-fielder Chad Boudon. "It's almost impossible to get a hit off him."

Although Fenton's play was not as dominating during his years at North Kitsap High School, he compiled an 18-3 career record as a prep hurler while earning first- and second-team all-Olympic League honors. During his senior season at North Kitsap, Fenton recorded a 3.22 ERA, going 3-3 with one save over 44 2/3 innings of work.

This season, Fenton, 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, struck out 48 batters and surrendered only 14 hits, holding the opposition to a dismal .139 batting average.

Recently, Fenton has turned up his game another notch. He collected three saves in the Huskies' four wins last week against ASU and USC while gathering nine K's in 5 1/3 innings of work. For his noteworthy performances he earned Pac-10 Pitcher of the Week honors. He was also named to the all-conference first team Tuesday.

A preview of Fenton's stellar arm came during his performance in last year's regional elimination game against Rice. Fenton came in to the game in the sixth and held the Owls scoreless over 3 1/3 frames -- handing former UW center-fielder Jay Garthwaite the opportunity to hit the game-winning round-tripper with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

"There were 5,500 people in the stands," said Fenton, whose squad's playoff run ended the following game. "It was pretty amazing to be in that position as a freshman."

Fenton has a chance to showcase his talent in the postseason again this weekend at the NCAA regional tournament.

Though his number likely caught the eyes of several MLB scouts, Fenton insists that he will return to toss for Washington to help the team get back to the playoffs next year. He won't deny that he is tempted to go pro, however.

"I'd like to pitch in the major leagues," admitted Fenton. "Right now, I have a good opportunity in baseball and there is always time to come back to school."

Knutson sees a Fenton in a baseball uniform long after it no longer reads "Washington" across the chest.

"He has great pitch ability, great stuff and incredible presence on the hill," said Knutson. "The sky is the limit for him."