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Jordan Whatcott was second on the team with 61 strikeouts and led the MWC with seven runners picked off.
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Aug. 18, 2009
SALT LAKE CITY - Utah baseball pitcher Jordan Whatcott will return to the Utes for his senior season in 2010, head coach Bill Kinneberg announced today.
Whatcott, who was a second-team All-Mountain West Conference pick last year, was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 31st round following the season. He played a key role in leading the Utes to their first MWC Championship, making two starts in the MWC Tournament and pitching in a game in relief for a save en route to being named to the All-Tournament team.
"I am thankful for the opportunity that I was given. It has been my dream to play professional baseball, which made the decision harder," Whatcott said. "The run we made last year was so exciting, and it was the most fun I've ever had playing baseball. I want the opportunity to have the same coaching and get better with this team. That will make me that much better and give me a better opportunity to succeed at the higher level. Getting my degree is important, and it was an easy decision when it came down to that.
"I am excited to get back. This team is going to be great, and I am really looking forward to it."
Whatcott was second on the team with 61 strikeouts and led the MWC with seven runners picked off. He also tied for second in the conference with 25 batters struck out looking. Whatcott earned several wins over ranked teams, including pitching six innings of two-hit shutout ball in a 2-0 win over No. 4 Texas A&M and picking up a 7-3 win over No. 1 UC Irvine. He only allowed two home runs all season.
"We are fortunate to have him back," Kinneberg said.
Senior Brian Budrow was also drafted from the 2009 team, going in the 28th round to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is currently with the Yakima Bears in the Class `A' Short Season Northwest League.
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