Wilson’s Cole Leaman is UECU Pitcher of the Week
Cole Leaman got a chance to pitch in some big games late last season for Wilson. He’s being counted on to pitch in a lot more this season.
He came up big last week, striking out 12 in a six-inning stint against Exeter to give the Bulldogs their first win of the season after an 0-4 start.
“He was pretty much lights out,” said Bulldogs coach Sal Raccuglia of the 9-1 win over the Eagles. “We look at Cole to pitch most of our big games. He really works hard at his craft. He’s a pitcher only, so that’s his focus, and he’s done a darned good job.”
Leaman allowed five hits and one earned run in the victory to earn Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week honors.
The 5-11 right-hander committed to Lehigh following a junior season that saw him go 2-0 with a 2.37 ERA and 42 strikeouts over 23 2/3 innings.
This season Leaman has appeared in four games and made three starts. He’s 1-1 with a 1.62 ERA and 30 strikeouts over 17 1/3 innings. He has walked five and held opposing batters to a .194 batting average.
Leaman throws four pitches; his best is a fastball clocked at 92 mph.
“In high school, you can get away with throwing your fastball by most hitters,” said Raccuglia, “but when he gets his curveball and change working, it’s tough to hit. He really has good movement on his pitches.”
Leaman showed he was more than capable last season, when he moved into the rotation late in the season and got some big-game experience. He started and pitched four shutout innings in a 12-3 win over Dallastown in the District 3 Class 6A semifinals; he also started the Bulldogs’ PIAA opener against Spring-Ford.
“We counted on him in some big situations last year, and he pitched some big innings for us,” Raccuglia said.
Leaman is the third Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week this season, and the first from Wilson. Players considered for UECU 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 Pitcher of the Week:
- Nate Fronheiser, Brandywine Heights
- Riley Civiello, Conrad Weiser
- Eli Rhoads, Daniel Boone
- Ethan Grim, Gov. Mifflin
- Grant Fitzgerald, Kutztown
- Dalton Follweiler, Muhlenberg
- Sean Hoffman, Oley Valley
- Drew Campbell, Schuylkill Valley
- Owen Rhoads, Twin Valley
Previously selected as Utilities Employees Credit Union Pitcher of the Week:
- April 4: Tristan Baer, Hamburg
- April 11: Alexander Velez, Gov. Mifflin
