Late in a close game versus Montana State Billings, batters hope No. 32 is in the dugout, not on the mound.
That number belongs to Adam Cox, a right-handed reliever for the Yellow Jackets who through March 17 has been absolutely untouchable and arguably the most dominant closer in D2 Baseball.
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Through 33 batters faced, the senior from Encino, California has allowed just four runners to reach base, and none of them have come via hit. Let's say that agan: 33 batters faced, zero hits allowed.
An infielder for a majority of the time, Cox has come in for relief five times through the team's first 12 contests, lasting at least two innings in all but one outing in which he threw just one-third of an inning against the College of Idaho.
Cox also doubles as a part-time infielder, but in his five mound appearances has covered 10 1/3 innings, striking out 17 and issuing but two bases on balls.
He's struck out four or more in three of his outings and has recorded three saves.
Cox has been reliable throughout his collegiate career, but has taken it to the next level in 2018.
| YEAR | G | W-L | ERA | SO | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 0-0 | 2.25 | 4 | 0 |
| 2016 | 17 | 6-1 | 4.94 | 37 | 5 |
| 2015 | 21 | 4-2 | 4.70 | 21 | 4 |
The one anomaly was 2017 when Cox took on a bigger role of a fielder, filling in as a utility player in over 20 contests. But in his redshirt-freshman and sophomore years, he became one of the top relievers in the GNAC.
While relievers rarely receive buzz that starters do, there is no denying Cox deserves some of the highest praise for his early-season performance. Pitcher of The Year awards tend to go to starters, too, but Cox could be one of the exceptions if he continues at his current pace.
