Florida Gulf Coast sophomore Michael Murray pitched in the Northwoods League last summer, and when I saw his numbers this spring, I assumed I’d find him on last summer’s leader-boards and top prospect lists.
Nope.
Murray had some good outings for the Willmar Stingers but finished the Northwoods season with a 6.35 ERA. He wasn’t on Baseball America’s Top 25 Northwoods prospects, nor Perfect Game’s Top 60.
But if the coming summer is anything like his spring so far, Murray will not be invisible on Cape League lists. The sophomore righty, who’s slated to play for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox this summer, ranks sixth in the nation in ERA.
He’s 6-0 for the Eagles with a 0.50 ERA. He’s recorded one complete game and has allowed just three earned runs all season. Opponents are hitting .193 against him and he’s struck out 53 while walking only six in 53.2 innings.
He’s also shined when the lights have been brightest. Facing nationally-ranked Florida at the end of February, Murray went 7.1 strong innings, allowing just an unearned run, in a 2-1 FGCU win over the Gators.
Murray went the distance in his most recent start, allowing two runs in a complete-game win over Stetson.
A unanimous Atlantic Sun All-Freshman pick last year, Murray has already taken home two A-Sun Pitcher of the Week honors this year.