February 7, 2023

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

Matt Wilkinson (Ladner, BC) pitched well enough to earn the win in his Opening Day start for Central Arizona on Jan. 27 against the College of Southern Nevada when he threw five innings, allowed one run and exited with a 3-1 lead.

But the Coyotes plated one in the bottom of the seventh and a pair in the eighth to escape with a 4-3 victory and hand the southpaw a no-decision.

Fast forward to his second start on Feb. 3 versus Yavapai and he was determined to ensure he walked away with the victory. Wilkinson worked seven scoreless innings, surrendered three hits and fanned eight en route to a 4-0 Vaqueros win.

Through two starts the Okotoks Dawgs Academy grad is 1-0 with a 0.75 ERA and 17 strikeouts over 12 innings.

It’s a strong start to his sophomore season after a stellar freshman campaign from the left-hander. In 2022, he made 19 appearances, three of which were starts, and posted a 5-2 record with two saves and a 1.87 ERA.

His impressive performance gained the attention of the Arizona State University Sun Devils brass as they signed the southpaw back in October. He’ll arrive in Phoenix this fall.

For his work last week, Matt Wilkinson is the Canadian Baseball Network College Player of the Week.

Canadian Baseball Network College Players of the Week

Week 1: INF/LHP Robin Villeneuve (Gatineau, Que.) - Weatherford College

Week 2: LHP Matt Wilkinson (Ladner, BC) - Central Arizona College