By Brett Jager

University of Louisville senior pitcher Zack Pitts is just as good in the dugout as he is on the mound.

Pitts, the reigning Big East Pitcher of the Year, is always cheering on and motivating his team when he is not striking out hitters on the mound.

“Zack Pitts is a guy that brings a lot to the table,” Gabriel Shaw, freshman pitcher, said. “He is always cheering us on and encouraging us in the dugout when he is not pitching. When he is pitching, he is leading us on the mound.”

Last season, Pitts went 10-3 with a 2.52 ERA while striking out 91 batters as the ace of the Cardinal’s rotation. He was drafted in the 30th round in the MLB draft by the Washington Nationals but decided to come back for his senior season.

Pitts said he made the right decision in coming back for his senior campaign.

“I was just happy where I was,” Pitts said. “I wanted to get closer to my degree and I was having fun playing here. I just wasn’t ready for a change of scenery yet.”

U of L pitching coach Roger Williams is confident Pitts will succeed at the next level.

“He’ll do fine,” Williams said. “He has great command of his fastball on both sides of the plate. His curve and slider are serviceable and will get better over time. I think is very confident and will move up the ladder just fine.”

Pitts admitted it is different being a senior. He said it is his duty to help the younger guys on the team as much as he can, especially the young pitchers.

“I try to correct the young pitchers on their mistakes and let them know what I am thinking,” Pitts said. “I was in that position once and it’s tough as a young pitcher. I just try to help them out in any way that I can.”

Williams emphasized how Pitts exemplifies consistency on the mound and is always in the game when he is not pitching.

“Zack will come into the game and shut teams down. He always gives great effort and is very consistent. He keeps you in the game and has tremendous work habits,” Williams said. “He leads by example and the young guys watch his practice habits. He has great desire and always pumps up the team, even when he is not pitching.”

Pitts has had a myriad of memories in his illustrious career at U of L. He loves the passion and relationships he has built with his teammates. His greatest accomplishment has been making the CWS and he felt it was great for the program

Pitts has had a terrific career and is hoping to lead his team to a Big East Championship and another run at the College World Series. He said he feels he has made great strides as a pitcher in the past four years.

“I have matured a lot,” Pitts said. “You can’t be anybody but yourself and you have to know what it takes to compete.”