Chris Humphreys
Published: March 23, 2008

Rustburg’s Blake Forslund has already had his share of memorable games on the mound for the Red Devils, but the right-handed pitcher would like nothing more than to make his senior season his most memorable.
“I feel like we have a good shot and competitive team,” Forslund said. “I think we can do well in the district and make it to the (Region III tournament) again.”
The Red Devils are one of the handful of teams that are expected to be in the hunt for the Seminole District crown this season based on their strong pitching punch.
Forslund and senior Andrew Kasecamp give Rustburg two of the most experienced hurlers in district this year.
And, Forslund has been known as a big-game pitcher in Seminole country since his sophomore year when he struck out 13 in a district tournament game that earned Rustburg a spot in the Region III tournament.
“He’s a competitor,” Red Devils coach Barry Godsey said. “We feel pretty good about having him and Andrew take the mound.”
As a junior, he won an epic 10-inning, 2-1, battle against Appomattox ace Timmy Dudley.
“It was a close game the whole time,” Forslund said. “The pressure was on the whole time. I love pressure. I loved it.”
Forslund worked all 10 innings, allowed one unearned run, six hits, no walks and struck out 20.
“I love having the ball in my hand,” Forslund said. “The best part is striking people out.”
Dudley went nine innings, allowed an earned run, four hits, no walks and struck out 15.
The Red Devils are off to a 4-1 start this season and Forslund has been a big reason.
He threw a two-hit, shutout against Brookville in Rustburg’s district opener last Friday.
Forslund struck out 14 Bees and walked just one.
“His biggest strength is that he has three pitches he can throw and is around the plate,” Godsey said.
Next season Forslund will play for the University of Virginia.
“I’ve always like (UVA),” he said. “Ever since I was little, I dreamed about going there and playing a sport (for the Cavaliers). It just worked out that I was a better baseball player.”
Forslund is also quick to credit Godsey for his success.
“Coach is great guy,” Forslund said. “He helps us in the off-season. He helped coached my fall-ball team with Chad Bryan and it’s been great getting to know him. He’s almost been like a second dad to me.”