While the Falmouth Commodores are off to a sizzling start to the 2016 Cape Cod Baseball season, the best might still be to come. Sporting a 5-2 record, the ‘Dores have 13 players that are either in the College World Series or on their way to the Cape. Coach Trundy’s squad is looking up.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Headlining the list is a trio of player from Texas Christian University: Evan Skoug, Luken Baker and Josh Watson. This trio has led the Horned Frogs to a third straight berth in the College World series during what was supposed to be a “rebuilding year” for the team from Fort Worth, Texas.
Luken Baker (P/DH) – The 2016 Big-12 Freshman of the Year is a dual threat on both the mound and at the plate. Before being shut down on the mound in late April due to a muscle strain, the righty led the team in both ERA (1.75) and starts (9). However the team kept him activated in the DH spot the rest of the season where he excelled to hit .379/.488/.560 with 9 HR, 8 doubles and 57 RBI’s. The RBI’s, average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage led the team. Baker is tentatively scheduled to join the Commodores following TCU’s performance in the College World Series.
Evan Skoug (C) – The 2015 Big-12 Freshman of the Year, played for the Commodores last year, but his time with the team this year could be in jeopardy due to his selection to Team USA. Typically, USA’s season starts in late June and goes for several weeks, meaning the time Skoug could potentially spend in a Commodore uniform could be small.
Josh Watson (OF) – An All Big-12 Honorable Mention during his first season with the Horned Frogs, Watson is a bull at the plate and one of the strongest athletes on the team (just take a look at him live and you will see what we mean). His massive strength led to a team-leading 11 home runs and he parlayed that with a respectable .281 average during his 63 starts.
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
Turner Larkins (SP) – Larkins started the season in the bullpen but as the year progressed saw some spot starts and made the pivotal Game 3 start against TCU in the Super Regional last weekend. While he picked up a no-decision, he threw a outstanding game with 4.2 innings of one-run ball. During the regular season, he totaled 43 innings with a 3-0 record and 2.51 ERA.
Corbin Martin (RP) – A relief pitcher for most of the season, Martin did pick up three starts throughout the season. Overall he picked up a 2-1 record through 26.1 innings with a 5.47 ERA.
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
J.J. Matejevic (1B) – We all know this kid. The returning Commodore boasted the third-best batting average in the Cape Cod Baseball League in 2015 (.333) and ended the season on a 21-game hitting streak. He was named to the All-Star Team and the All-League team at the end of the year. Matejevic is currently with Arizona as they have made a surprise run to the College World Series for the first time since winning it all in 2012. A full-time starter at fist base for the Wildcats, Matejevic hit .292 with 4 HR and 36 RBI’s.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Brady Singer (RP) – The Gators topped Florida State in the Gainesville Super Regional, so Singer’s Cape Cod debut will be delayed. However, when he does hit the roster he’ll bring a year of extensive relief after throwing 43.2 innings with a 4.95 ERA. The righty was selected in the 2nd Round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays but decided to take his talents to Florida instead.
Deacon Liput (INF) – Selected to the 2016 SEC All-Freshman Team, Liput finished the season hitting .272 with 3 home runs, 13 doubles and 36 RBI’s. His entrance to the Commodores lineup should help give the red-hot Kevin Merrell some time off and a potential platoon at second base should develop.
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
Cole Sands (SP) – A weekly starting pitcher for the Seminoles, Sands threw down an impressive freshman season. To date, he has 16 starts under his belt with a 4.15 ERA and a 6-7 record. In the postseason, the righty has thrown 8.1 innings, allowing 2 earned runs and picking up the win in both appearances.
Tyler Holton (LHP/OF) – The utility man for Florida State, Holton started 10 games on the mound and 6 in on the field. Pitching proved to be his specialty as the righty logged 2.79 EAR in his 18 appearances and a 3-4 record.
UC SANTA BARBARA
Kyle Nelson (SP) – The Gaucho’s closer compiled a 2.02 ERA in 73 innings of work this season and finished the year with seven wins and nine saves. Nelson is currently in the College World Series as the Gauchos’ continue their magical postseason run.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
Bryce Montes de Oca (SP) – After a season plagued by injuries, Bryce should join the Commodores in July after rehabbing from a nerve issue that shut him down for almost the entire 2016 season. Montes de Oca played for the Commodores in 2015 and was among the league leaders in ERA (2.00) and IP (36).
RICE UNIVERSITY
Glenn Otto (RP) – The 2016 All Conference USA First Team selection is coming off a 9-win, 7 save sophomore season. Following up his legendary freshman year with the Owls, Otto is slated to join the team within the upcoming weeks.
The Commodores Corner 