University of Tennessee Athletics
VFL Hernandez Named Pitcher of the Year
September 10, 2014 | Baseball
Former Tennessee Volunteer pitcher Nick Hernandez was recently named 2014 American Association Pitcher of the Year, as announced by his Winnipeg Goldeyes via Goldeyes.com.
Hernandez went 12-2 with a 3.11 ERA in 19 starts for Winnipeg this year, posting a pair of complete game shutouts for the first time in his professional career. The 26-year-old lefty went a perfect 7-0 on the road, boasting a 2.44 ERA through 11 starts, and became the first Goldeye pitcher to win 12 games in a single season since 2009 (Ace Walker).
Originally selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 12th round of the June 2009 MLB Amateur Draft, Hernandez pitched three seasons of affiliated ball (2009-13) before joining Winnipeg, while missing the 2011-12 seasons due to injury. Prior to being drafted in 2009, he led the Vols pitching staff with 84.1 innings pitched over 13 starts, compiling a 4-5 record with a 5.23 ERA and one complete game in his final season at Rocky Top.
Among current and former Goldeye pitchers, Hernandez joins Ace Walker (2009) and Rafael Gross (2003) as the only pitchers to have received League Pitcher of the Year honors.
Winnipeg finished its regular season at 63-37 (.630), taking the American Association North Division Championship to advance to the League Championship series this month.
