Matt Kramer of Wyomissing is UECU Pitcher of the Week
Wyomissing had plenty of pitching depth last season, when it won the Berks League Division III title. Matt Kramer, then a sophomore, wasn’t counted on to pitch big games.
The right-hander has become the Spartans’ No. 1 on the mound this season and he came through with a top-shelf performance in their biggest game of the season, beating Hamburg 6-0 Friday to keep their hopes alive for the Berks III title.
“Matt’s really taken it to a different level,” said Wyomissing coach Dave Voigt. “That’s the best I’ve seen him throw, and he’s thrown well all year.”
Kramer picked up a pair of division wins last week to earn Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week.
He was at his best against the division-leading Hawks, striking out nine over 6 1/3 innings. He allowed just four hits and walked two before being removed in the seventh, due to the PIAA pitch-count limit.
Kramer worked out of some tough spots, the toughest a bases-loaded, one-out situation with Wyomissing leading 1-0 in the top of the third.
He struck out Luke Bensinger, the Hawks’ top hitter, then got cleanup hitter Nate Gilbert on a pop-up.
“Matt came ready to play,” said Wyomissing catcher Nate Koenig. “He’s been preparing all week for it; he’s been mentally ready.”
Kramer was on point, delivering first-pitch strikes to 15 of the first 18 batters he faced. Overall, he threw 67 strikes on 105 pitches.
“My dad (former Wilson pitcher Scott Kramer) always tells me: ‘Get ahead and stay ahead,’ ” Kramer said. “Get the first pitch over.”
The win was payback for Kramer, who a year earlier against Hamburg — also at Owls Field — couldn’t get out of the first inning.
“Matt threw great,” said Voigt. “That’s the best I’ve seen him throw, ever. He was getting both pitches in, and when he does that he’s really tough. He’s locating the fastball, and that curve really is a sweet 12-to-6.”
Earlier in the week Kramer picked up the decision in a 9-8 win over Schuylkill Valley when he came out of the bullpen to pitch two innings.
For the season, Kramer is 5-1 with a 1.76 ERA and 36 strikeouts over 35 2/3 innings.
Kramer is also one of the Spartans’ top hitters. He’s batting .360 and leads the team with 18 hits, 15 runs scored and in slugging percentage. He ended the win over Schuylkill Valley with a two-run walk-off single.
Kramer is the fourth Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week this season, and the first from Wyomissing. Players considered for UECU Union Pitcher of the Week honors are nominated by their coaches or byMikeDragoSports.com.
Also nominated for Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week:
- Nate Fronheiser, Brandywine Heights
- Dylan Schueler, Daniel Boone
- Ryan Moser, Fleetwood
- Alexander Velez, Gov. Mifflin
- Tristan Baer, Hamburg
- Brad Coley, Muhlenberg
- Luke Macdonald, Oley Valley
- Kannon Zdimal, Twin Valley
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
