By: By Jake Dorow
Full Release
KENNESAW, Ga. – Former Kennesaw State baseball standout
Richard Lovelady has been named the Kansas City Royals' Minor League Pitcher of the Year, according to RoyalsReview.com on Thursday afternoon.
Lovelady, 22, who hails from Hinesville, Ga., was selected in the 10
th round (313 overall) by the Royals in the 2016 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft and has put up impressive numbers since within the organization. The left-hander has spent time with the Wilmington Blue Rocks (A-Advanced) and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Double-A) in 2017.
"I'm happy for Richard (Lovelady) and how fast his progression within the organization has led to this honor, head coach
Mike Sansing said. "He is a great guy and loved being an Owl during his time with us, and we are rooting for him. His work ethic and competitiveness has played a huge role in his success and we are thrilled for him."
The 22-year-old has been stellar, allowing just five runs in 33.1 frames at Wilmington, totaling 41 strikeouts to just four walks. His 1.08 ERA earned him a promotion to the Naturals, where he has posted a 2.16 ERA in 33.1 innings with 36 strikeouts.
Lovelady played a key role for Kennesaw State in 2016 out of the bullpen, helping the Owls to a regular-season championship and a No. 1 seed for the ASUN Championships. The lefty finished inside the top three in NCAA appearances (37), and ranked second in KSU D-I program history for most appearances. He recorded a 4-3 record and a 2.96 ERA in 45.2 frames, tallying four saves and 52 punch outs in his only season with the Owls.
The baseball team returned to campus August 18 and helped incoming freshmen move into Campus Village. The campus move-in marked the beginning of the semester for KSU as the Owls return to Stillwell Stadium for fall practice on September 17 in preparations for their annual Black and Gold World Series showdown in October.
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State baseball news follow the team on Twitter@KSUOwlNation and@KSUOwlsBaseball or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
- #GoKSUOwls -
