McAvene pitched today in the College WS.
AZ Phil’s report:
Cubs 3rd round draft pick RHRP Michael McAvene threw two innings (7th & 8th innings) for Louisville in today's elimination game vs Auburn, protecting a three-run lead. (Louisville won the game and will advance to play the loser of Vanderbilt-Mississippi State tomorrow).
MICHAEL McAVENE: 2.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 3 K, 1 GIDP, 2/0 GO/AO, 41 pitches (25 strikes)
McAvene looked rusty, probably because he hadn't pitched for more than two weeks after being suspended for four games after arguing a ball-strike call with the home plate umpire in a Regional game vs UIC.
His FB sat 96-97 in his first inning of work before going down to 94-95 (T-96) at the end of his second inning when he got the third out by strike out (swinging) with the bases loaded on a 3-2 96 MPH FB. He also displayed a knee-buckling 80-82 MPH SL/CV (slurve), and he threw a couple of mediocre "show me" CH that he can junk when he turns pro.