NoVa Native Taylor Clarke Solid in First MLB Start

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It’s been a good year for athletes out of Broad Run HS in Ashburn, VA. During the NBA regular season, former Kansas State, Rutgers, and Virginia star Nigel Johnson made his debut in the NBA’s G-League, playing for the Wizards and Cavaliers affiliates and in late April, Taylor Clarke made his MLB debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Clarke’s first appearance came in relief, allowing one hit in three innings during a 6-0 win over the Chicago Cubs.

On Tuesday night, Clarke was given the ball for his first MLB start.

Despite taking the loss, Clarke pitched well, scattering seven hits across six innings while surrendering just two earned runs. His control was spot on, walking none, and in 90 pitches, he threw 61 strikes.

Clarke also struck out two batters in his first MLB start.

Now, with two appearances under his belt, you can be sure the D-Backs will be using him a lot more, potentially in their rotation. He currently has an eye-popping 2.0 ERA in nine innings of work with a WHIP of 0.889.

By comparison, only two qualified pitchers in baseball have sub-2.00 ERAs with a sub-.900 WHIP (Tyler Glasnow & Chris Paddack).

CATEGORY: MLB