By Joe LofaroMARTIN, Tenn. – Wes Alsup, the former University of Tennessee at Martin right-handed pitcher whose fastball has been clocked in excess of 95 mph, made his professional debut this past week for the Joliet Jackhammers, an Independent baseball team playing in the Northern League.
“I am excited for Wes,” UT Martin head baseball coach Bubba Cates said. “He is a professional although he is not affiliated with a Major League team. This is Wes’ avenue to the big league. He needs to stay healthy and pitch well.”
Alsup, who signed with Joliet before its July 1 game against the Winnipeg Goldeyes, pitched the eighth inning. He faced four batters and walked the first two he faced. He got out of the inning with a double play and a ground out. He returned to the mound Sunday against the Goldeyes and pitched the ninth inning. Alsup walked two in the inning, but did not give up a hit or a run.
“Wes is off to a good start, but he must be sharper,” Cates said. “The bottom line is he is putting zeros on the board.”
While Alsup did not give up an earned run in the inning, the Jackhammers (19-20) suffered a 9-4 loss to the Goldeyes. The Jackhammers are currently in fifth place in the eight-team league. Alsup and the Jackhammers play the Goldeyes in a four-game series which ends Sunday.
Alsup made 15 appearances and recorded seven saves for UT Martin this past spring. He pitched 17 innings and sported a 4.24 earned run average which was the team’s second best. He led the team in saves and struck out 22 batters.
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