Luke Macdonald goes back-to-back as UECU Pitcher of the Week
Luke Macdonald is feeling unbeatable these days, and why not? The Oley Valley right-hander entered the Berks League playoffs last week with six straight scoreless appearances, including back-to-back shutouts to end the season and help the Lynx clinch a playoff berth.
“It’s been a lot of fun the last couple weeks knowing that when I get on the mound, I feel comfortable,” the senior said. “I feel like I can beat anybody.”
Macdonald pitched a third straight complete game to beat top-seeded and once-beaten Gov. Mifflin 6-1 in the league quarterfinals last week, earning Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week honors for the second straight week.
His scoreless innings streak was snapped at 29 1/3 but the Lynx were up 5-0 at that point and he didn’t allow another run. He finished with a six-hitter, walking just one.
“He hit all his spots,” said Oley Valley catcher Brad Auge. “He didn’t have any problems. He was very excited to pitch that game.”
Macdonald was closing in on the PIAA’s 100-pitch limit after six innings but got through the seventh with a minimum number of pitches.
“He was determined to do it all, and he wanted to finish the game,” said Lynx coach Jeff Pinder.
For the season Macdonald is 4-0 with an 0.39 ERA and 34 strikeouts over 35 1/3 innings.
Macdonald didn’t get his first start until April 23, when he pitched five scoreless innings to beat Brandywine Heights 8-0.
He had been pitching out of the bullpen before that, as Pinder tried to limit his innings, knowing he’ll need him at full strength for the postseason.
The Lynx are ranked No. 2 in the District 3 Class 3A power ratings and are expected to make it back to the PIAA Tournament. They reached the state championship game last season.
In his first start Macdonald threw a one-hitter, striking out seven in a 6-0 win over eventual Berks IV champ Kutztown. He followed that with a three-hitter against Berks Catholic in an 8-0 win.
The Lynx started slowly this season, losing four of their first six games. They’re on a roll right now, and have gone 7-2 since Macdonald entered the starting rotation. He has appeared in eight games; they have won seven of them.
“When he’s on the mound, we’re always confident we’re going to win the game,” said teammate Ty Yerger.
Macdonald is the seventh Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week this season, and the second to earn the award twice. Tristan Baer of Hamburg was selected April 4 and April 25.
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:
- Parker Nein, Berks Catholic
- Riley Civiello, Conrad Weiser
- Eli Rhoards, Daniel Boone
- Kannon Zdimal, Twin Valley
- Ruben Livingston, Wilson
Previously selected as Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week:
- 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
