Photo: Murray State Athletics
Brock Downey was named Preseason OVC Pitcher of the Year, while Anthony Bayus was selected to the preseason All-OVC team after their efforts during the 2014 season.
Downey was named OVC Co-Pitcher of the Year after he finished the season 9-3 with a 2.76 ERA. He struck out 74 and walked 25 in a school-record 107.2 innings. He became the 10th pitcher in Racer history to win at least nine games in a season, and the first since Daniel Calhoun (11) and Chris Craycraft (10) in 2009. He went at least six innings in 12 of his 13 starts, including throwing a career-best 9.1 innings against Eastern Illinois. Downey allowed just one earned run and struck out 12 in a complete-game victory over UT Martin. He closed out the 2014 season by striking out eight in a complete-game victory over Eastern Kentucky.
Downey was also called to go play in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Wareham Gatemen. During the summer league, he went started three games while pitching in six. He struck out seven in 17.2 innings pitched.
Bayus led the Racers offense by hitting .327 with 15 doubles, three triples, three home runs and 31 RBIs. He was tied for the team lead with 65 hits, while ranking second with 37 runs scored. During OVC play, he hit .364 with 11 doubles, two triples, three home runs and 19 RBIs in 30 games. He ended his 2014 campaign by hitting safely in eight of the last 10 games, including five multi-hit games.
The Racers begin their season Friday Feb. 13 at Southern Mississippi with the first pitch at 4 p.m. MSU’s home opener will be Tuesday Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. against Harris Stowe.
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