FROM CCBL RELEASE
BOURNE— Right-handed pitcher Tony Zych (Louisville) was Bourne’s go-to closer all season, and last week he was recognized for his performance.
Zych was presented the Russ Ford Award as the Cape Cod Baseball League’s Outstanding Relief Pitcher and also earned the Robert A. McNeece Award as the Outstanding Pro Prospect, two of the most prestigious honors the league has to offer. The sophomore allowed only two runs in 20.1 innings this summer for a 0.89 ERA, recording 12 saves, while striking out 29 and walking just four. He pitched a shutout inning at the Cape League All-Star game.
He helped the Braves win the Western Division, although they were swept in the first round by the Wareham Gatemen. Zych pitched three shutout innings in their final game.
At Louisville, Zych tried his hand at starting and, in his opinion, didn’t live up to his potential. Although he finished 5-2, with five starts in 22 appearances, his ERA was 5.13.
“I think I do better as closer. I hope this coming year (at Louisville) I will be able to be a closer again,” he said.
He earned Freshman All-America honors from Louisville Slugger and Ping! Baseball, and spent last summer playing for Team USA. He was the 46th round pick for the Chicago Cubs in the 2008 MLB draft.
Clearly, the scouts still think that Zych has what it takes to be in the major leagues.
“He really blew the scouts away this summer,” Bourne general manager Mike Carrier said. “It’s a real honor to win that award. And Tony was totally surprised. He didn’t know the league gave out awards and to win two really threw him off.”
As for Zych’s future, he hopes to be an early-round draft pick in 2010.
“Ideally, I’d like to be in an early-round pick during my junior year, especially if I’m closing,” he said.
