‘Whiz’ lights out with 21 Ks in first two college starts
Published 2:14 pm Tuesday, March 9, 2021
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By Brian Pitts
Enterprise Record
It’s quite early in the college baseball season, and we all know the hazards of making loud, fist-on-table conclusions based on small sample sizes.
But, with that said, Carson Whisenhunt of Mocksville is off to an absolutely absurd start as a lefty starting pitcher for East Carolina.
In his first college start on Feb. 21 against Rhode Island, the freshman walked one and struck out 10 in four innings. While the Pirates romped 12-4, Whisenhunt became the first ECU freshman since 2017 to post 10-plus strikeouts in a game.
What did the 6-3, 215-pounder do for an encore?
He pitched even better during a 9-2 road win over Georgia Southern on Feb. 28.
In 6.2 shutout innings, he allowed four hits, walked one and fanned 11 to pick up his first college win.
“He stood on the mound and said: ‘Hey, you’re not going to win today (after the Eagles beat ECU 10-7 the day before),’” coach Cliff Godwin said. “I think every time out he gets more confidence. I’m really proud of him.”
While the 17th-ranked Pirates raised their record to 6-1, Whisenhunt became the first ECU starter since 1998 to record 10-plus Ks in back-to-back starts. He became the fifth freshman hurler in program history to record 11-plus Ks in a game. He became the first ECU pitcher since Brooks Jernigan in 1998 to record 10-plus Ks in consecutive starts.
ECU freshman Josh Moylan was named AAC Player of the Week, while Whisenhunt was selected to the honor roll for the second straight week.
Godwin pulled him after 95 pitches.
“His back tightened up on the last batter he faced,” he said. “Of course, he wanted to stay out there. We’ll get him some treatment and get him ready to go Sunday (March 7).”
Whisenhunt is not the only link to Davie on the ECU roster. Fellow freshman Garrett Chandler is a reserve outfielder. He had a memorable moment during a 13-2 home win over Appalachian State on March 5, pinch hitting, playing center field and getting his first college hit in the eighth inning.