ROCK HILL, S.C. – After a remarkable season on the mound in 2023, Jake Wright was named a preseason first-team All-South Atlantic Conference relief pitcher, as announced by the league office on Tuesday.
"It means a lot to me but I really could not do it without the best catchers and the best catching coach in the country," Wright said. "Without those guys, it really would not mean anything. I am really grateful for my teammates."
Wright became the 30th pitcher to earn all-league laurels and the first reliever since Will Gardner in 2018 to earn the honor. The right-hander was lights out last season going 4-1 with three saves in 13 appearances with a 2.10 ERA fanning 33 and walking ten in 25 2/3 innings on the rubber. The Eagles were 9-4 this year in games he pitched. Over his 13 outings, teams have failed to score on him nine times. He had multiple strikeouts in six games including eight over 3 2/3 scoreless innings against Mars Hill on March 4 and six in four shutout stanzas at ninth-ranked Newberry in a win on March 25.
"It's all about consistency," Wright said. "Going out there each time and trying to stay level and get the job done and not looking over any team we play. "
The Ringgold, Ga. native appeared in 10 games against SAC teams last year going 3-0 with two saves allowing just 12 hits and five walks in 18 2/3 innings striking out 28 posting a 1.45 ERA. Compared to the relief pitchers on the top two teams, Wright allowed the same amount of earned runs but struck out more and walked less in more innings.
Despite not making his first appearance until Feb. 26 last year, Wright continued his career success as he has a 3.49 ERA with 121 punch outs in 87 2/3 innings.
"I've tried to develop the breaking balls more and the splitter," Wright said. "My teammates have been a great help picking resources like Coach Tingle and Coach Griff who have helped me out personally a lot. They have all helped me improve each day."
Wright and the Eagles take the field on Feb. 3 starting a three-game home series at Silver Diamond Baseball Complex with King. Every home game can be heard on cneagles.com/live with live video available on the Eagle Sports Network. Select road games will be available with an audio stream.
