Kelowna Falcons’ right-hander Cord Cockrell has been named winner of the West Coast League’s Pitcher of the Year award.
Cockrell tied the WCL single season record for wins with his 7-3 record. He finished with a 2.30 ERA, the lowest of any starter with more than 10 starts this season.
The sophomore-to-be at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette appeared in 14 games, had a team-high 11 starts and threw one complete game. His 70.1 innings pitched were the second most in the WCL while his 32 strike-outs were third most on the Falcons staff.
Cockrell picked up two wins over the Bellingham Bells and single wins against Kitsap, Walla Walla, Bend, Corvallis and the only win against the Klamath Falls Gems.
“I wasn’t totally sure what we would see from Cord this season,” said Falcons GK Mark Nonis, who also pitched university ball in Louisiana. “Coach Cantwell recruited him and told me he would be one of the best on our staff. Cord did not disappoint us, not only a great pitcher, but a great person off the field as well. I’m very happy for him, it’s much deserved.”
Cockrell is eligible to return to the Falcons in 2013.
It’s the second time in three years a pitcher under the tutelage of pitching coach Lloyd Gage has won this award.
In 2010 Dayne Quist was honoured. Quist is now working through the Tampa Bay Rays organization.
In other Falcons news, five players were named to the All-WCL teams. Kyle Pearson, Cockrell and Brandon Marris were named to the first team All-WCL, while Jerry McClanahan and Jace Conrad were named to the second team All-WCL squad.
