Trent Gilbert tagged out Florida State's Sherman Johnson at second base in the first inning of a game at the College World Series. Photo by Matt Ryerson-US PRESSWIRE
Arizona Wildcats second baseman Trent Gilbert, who hit .303 in the postseason and drove in three runs in the College World Series-clinching victory, made his Cape Cod Baseball League debut Monday night.
Gilbert, playing for the Bourne Braves, walked and scored a run in a pinch-hit appearance, staying in the game to play shortstop.
Gilbert capped his freshman season at UA by driving in three runs, including a two-run hit in the ninth inning, as the Cats beat South Carolina 4-1 to win the national championship. He also made a diving catch of a line drive in the bottom of the ninth.
Three other Cats are participating in the wood-bat Cape Cod League — which is the top annual summer event for collegiate players — and should soon make their debuts.
Starting pitcher James Farris and reliever Mat Troupe, who combined on a three-hitter in the final victory over South Carolina, will pitch for the Orleans Firebirds. Farris went 7 2/3 innings vs. the Gamecocks, with Troupe picking up the win in relief. Farris said they will be roommates this summer.
Starting pitcher Konner Wade, whose postseason effort was one of the grandest in school history, will play for the Wareham Gateman. Wade was 4-0 with a 1.29 ERA in four postseason starts. He allowed 27 hits and walked only three in 35 innings, throwing three complete games.
Outfielder Johnny Field was also slated to play for the Wareham Gateman, but he was selected for USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team. The team will play in Cuba and The Netherlands later this month.