Here we are, finally at the last of the 2014 lists (at least for now). Before we get to our top reliever in the 2014 season, though, let’s take a look at the top relievers from past years:
2013: Adam Zipko, New Market and Millersville
2012: Shay Maltese, Haymarket and Cal State Northridge
2011: Patrick Christensen, Harrisonburg and LaSalle
2010: Zach Blatt, Luray and Auburn
2009: Brian Burgess, New Market and West Alabama
2008: Dan Gentzler, New Market and Maryland
2007: Jimmy Stanley, Waynesboro and Belmont
(New Market has 3 out of the 7!)
Now that history is out of the way, Reece Karalus, the 6-foot-3 righthander from Santa Clara, is the best reliever from the 2014 Valley League season!
Reece was the most unhittable of all according to ATVL, as he went 2-0, 0.57, with 4 saves, a .135 opponent’s batting average, 0.510 WHIP, 0.6 BB/9, and 14.9 K/9 in 15 2/3 innings pitched for the Senators. His opponent’s average is 3rd among relievers; his WHIP is 1st; his BB/9 is tied for 1st with Evan Bickett, and his K/9 is also 1st. In those 15 2/3 innings, he allowed only 7 hits, 1 walk, and struck out an amazing 26 batters.
Baseball America also likes Reece’s potential, as they named him the #4 prospect in the league.
At Santa Clara as a freshman in 2013, Reece went 0-9, 7.00, with a 1.68 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9, and 7.4 K/9 in 62 2/3 innings. He started 12 games that year, and came out of the bullpen for 7 appearances.
2014 was a different story. He went 6-2, 2.25 in 34 appearances (1 start) and 48 innings. He saved 11 games (2nd most in Bronco history), had a 0.98 WHIP, a 2.4 BB/9, and a 8.6 K/9. He was named to the first team of the All-West Coast Conference, and was a NCBWA Stopper of the Year Mid-Season Watch List selection.
Congratulations on your super 2014 summer season, Reece, and good luck this spring for the Broncos!
