By: Steve Givarz PBR Michigan Staff Writer

Off-season work paying dividends for 2014 Sean Martens of Ortonville Brandon HS

"Diamond in the rough" is used to describe a player who pops out of nowhere and immediately becomes a huge contributor to a program. For senior Sean Martens, he has certainly become a jewel for Northwood University in Midland, Michigan.

Sean transferred from Clarkston HS to Ortonville-Brandon after his junior year but didn't find the move too difficult as he knew multiple players from summer ball on Ortonville-Brandon.

The right-hander, who started the season as the 63^rd ranked prospect in the 2014 class, has recently had a velocity jump into the high 80’s, while touching 91-92 this spring for Ortonville-Brandon.  He attributes the velocity jump to being more committed to throwing this fall and summer while also incorporating a long-toss and resistance band program into his daily regimen.

Sean committed to Northwood University in September of 2013 after visiting the campus and could be a two-way player for the Timberwolves.

Sean had four shutouts in his first seven starts against Holly, Linden, Flint Kearsley, and Lapeer West. Sean is currently 6-1 with a 0.40 earned run average in 46 innings pitched and 67 strikeouts to only 8 walks.

Ortonville-Brandon is currently 17-11 and in first place in the Flint Metro Conference with a 9-3 record.

In the summer season, Sean plays with the Livingston Storm and head coach Jerry Waligora.