The Carolina League has named Frederick Keys LHP Brian Matusz Carolina League Pitcher of the Week for the week of May 25th – May 31st. Matusz dazzled on the road trip, throwing 14 scoreless innings over two starts. He allowed just nine hits and struck out nine batters over that span.
Matusz has anchored the Frederick Keys staff early in 2009 going 4-2 with a 2.37 ERA. The lefty was Frederick’s opening day starter and leads the league in both strikeouts (69) and innings pitched (60.2). Matusz has strengthened as the season has continued going seven innings in four of his last five starts while compiling a 1.85 ERA in six starts in the month of May.
The University of San Diego prospect was originally drafted by the Angels in the fourth round of the 2005 draft. Matusz elected to go to college, starring at the University of San Diego for three seasons. Matusz led all of Division I baseball in strikeouts in the 2008 season and was the top collegiate pitcher taken when the Orioles picked him fourth overall.
Matusz equals the second highest pick to ever play with Frederick in the 21-year history of the franchise. Ben McDonald, the first overall pick in 1989, made his professional debut in Frederick’s inaugural season in 1989. LHP Adam Loewen (2004-05, 2008) was also the fourth pick of the draft when he was picked by Baltimore in 2002.
You Gotta See This! Get your Keys to the newly renovated Harry Grove Stadium featuring a brand new Scoreboard, Videoboard Sound System, Restrooms and Press Box. The Keys return home for a seven-game homestand Monday, June 1st to take on the first place Lynchburg Hillcats. For tickets contact the Keys Box Office at 1-877-8-GO-KEYS or purchase online at frederickkeys.com.
