By BRIAN TYNES

News Editor

He wears number two, but Ryan Hamilton is second to none at J.C. Love Field.

Hamilton not only set a school record with a 22-game hitting streak this season, but he is the driving force behind Tech's baseball team.

Hamilton, who teammates call "Hammy," got two hits against Mississippi State on March 8 and hit safely in every game since until the streak ended last Friday at Rice.

Hamilton went 35-for-93 during the streak for a batting average of .376 and had five home runs and 20 RBI, while leading the team through the season with a .313 average (51-for-163).

But he attributes all of his accomplishments to Tech's coaching staff.

"My main success is from our hitting coach," Hamilton said. "He'll give me tips during the game and help me understand a pitcher better, and that helps me to be successful."

But his coach said it is his athletic ability that translates to success.

"He's a competitor in the box," Tech head coach Wade Simoneaux said. "He's up there to hit; he's not up there to walk. He knows he has to hit to help us win."

Hamilton said hitting is all about situations and driving in runners, and he considers himself a "free-swinger."

That free-swinging attitude is what teammate Albie Goulder said makes him fun to be around.

"He's a real good teammate," Goulder said. "He stays upbeat and is definitely an intense guy on the field, but off the field he's laid back."

Hamilton said he tried not to think about the streak, but everyone around him made it difficult.

"It's hard not to [think about the streak] because my teammates would make jokes about it," Hamilton said. "Once I got to 15 games, I said everything past this is a bonus."

Simoneaux said Hamilton is an out-spoken player but remains unassuming.

"He has fun," Simoneaux said. "All his teammates like him, and that means a lot when you know you have the backing of all your teammates.

"He never comes across as arrogant or in it for himself and really has been a pleasant surprise for us defensively and offensively. Ryan's work ethic is as good as a lot of people I've been around. He gives you everything he has every time out there."

Goulder said Hamilton is vocal, but he is more lead-by-example. And his play is what elevates the team.

Hamilton came to Tech from Blinn Junior College in Houston, and the transition to division one was made more difficult when he was asked to change positions. But he was willing to do it.

"I'm more of a shortstop, but coach said we were weak [at third base] and wanted me to move over," Hamilton said.

Hamilton made the transition look smooth and said defense is repetition. His philosophy is simple: "the more you practice, the better you'll be."

Hamilton said being between the white lines transforms him from mild-mannered to super-intense.

"Baseball is a great game and I can get passionate about it," Hamilton said.

"You'll know if I'm excited about something because I'll be screaming."

Hamilton will have the opportunity to help the Bulldogs rebound from a three-game sweep by the Rice Owls with a three-game series against San Jose State this weekend at J.C. Love Field. The Bulldogs played at San Jose earlier this season and picked up one win.