Gov. Mifflin’s Ethan Grim is UECU Pitcher of the Week

By Mike Drago Last updated Apr 18, 2023

Gov. Mifflin’s No. 2 is better than many team’s No. 1. That’s just one of the reasons the Mustangs are off to a 9-1 start, ranked No . 2 in the District 3 Class 5A power rankings and a top contender to win Berks League and district titles.

The Mustangs didn’t have their ace, reigning Pitcher of the Year Alexander Velez, on the mound last week for a big showdown against Exeter, but it didn’t seem to matter.

Sophomore Ethan Grim spun six shutout innings in Mifflin’s 8-0 victory as it remained unbeaten in Berks I play. (The Eagles didn’t have their ace, either; Deven Sheerin was scratched due to back pain.)

Grim allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out 10 against the Eagles to earn Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week for the first time.

The right-hander is now 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA in four starts.

“Ethan has gotten better with each appearance on the mound this season,” said Mustangs coach Chris Hole. “He had a rough outing against Dallastown in his first start, but has been dominant since that point – not allowing a run against three straight opponents (Conrad Weiser, Boyertown, and Exeter).

“We are very fortunate to have him in our starting rotation, as we know that he gives us a great chance to win every time he takes the ball. He has a gifted arm and fluid pitching mechanics, but his poise on the mound – especially for a sophomore — is his most impressive aspect.”

Grim was a contender for Player of the Week honors, too. He went 4-for-6 in a pair of games last week with a double, two RBIs and a run scored. When he’s not on the mound he can found playing second or third base. For the season he’s batting .333 with three doubles and seven RBIs.

His best work has come on the mound, where he’s struck out 28 over 17 2/3 innings. Opposing batters are hitting just .145 against him.

Grim is the third Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week this season, and the first from Gov. MIfflin. Players considered for UECU Union Pitcher of the Week honors are nominated by their coaches or by MikeDragoSports.com.

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

Trey Dianna, Conrad Weiser
Eli Rhoads, Daniel Boone
Jake Karnish, Fleetwood
Braden Fetherolf, Hamburg
Jon Oxendine, Twin Valley
Matt Kramer, Wyomissing

Selected as Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week earlier this season:

April 3: Deven Sheerin, Exeter
April 10: Matt VanOstenbridge, Wilson

Selected as Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week last season:

April 4: Tristan Baer, Hamburg
April 11: Alexander Velez, Gov. Mifflin
April 18: Cole Leaman, Wilson
April 25: Tristan Baer, Hamburg
May 2: Matt Kramer, Wyomissing
May 9: Luke Macdonald, Oley Valley
May 16: Luke Macdonald, Oley Valley
May 23: Rueben Livingston, Wilson