Alexander Velez of Gov. Mifflin is UECU Pitcher of the Week

Weeks before the season began Gov. Mifflin coach Chris Hole could see the strides junior right-hander Alexander Velez had made since last season, both physically and mentally. He was counting on him to be one of the Mustangs’ top pitchers this year.

Velez put all of that on display last week when he went the distance and struck out 10 in the Mustangs’ 3-1 victory over Berks League Division I rival Wilson. The win was the third for Velez in Mifflin’s first five games and earned him Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week honors.

“Alexander was poised on the mound and was able to throw all three of his pitches for strikes,” said Hole. “He effectively kept their hitters off-balance and trusted his defense to make plays behind him.  I was impressed with how he got stronger as the game progressed and was able to maintain the velocity on his fastball.”

Velez didn’t get to pitch in the Mustangs’ big games last season – those were handled by Berks Pitcher of the Connor Maryniak and Matt Gehris – but he showed he’s ready to step into that role by allowing just two hits over seven innings in a key early season showdown.

“Everything was working for him,” said Mifflin center fielder Mason Woolwine. “His change-up was real nice, and his two-seam fastball was also very good. Him going the distance like that keeps us in the game.”

“He has tremendous strength and athletic ability, (and) has become much more confident this season with the mental aspects of pitching, as well,” Hole said. “Overall, he has been huge component of our team’s success due to his contributions on the mound, as well as at the plate.”

In three appearances, including two starts, Velez has struck out 24 over 14 innings, allowing just seven hits and four walks. He has a 1.50 ERA. At the plate he’s gone 8-for-18 with five run runs scored and a .611 slugging percentage.

Velez is the second Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week this season. Players considered for Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week honors are nominated by their coaches or by the MikeDragoSports.com coverage team.

Also nominated for Utilities Employees Credit Union Player of the Week:

• Parker Nein, Berks Catholic
• Carson Renner, Brandywine Heights
• Deven Sheerin, Exeter
• Tristan Baer, Hamburg
• Brad Coley, Muhlenberg