Mountaineers in the Pros

Mountaineers in MLB: John Means Has Career Night for Orioles

Published

4 years ago

September 22, 2020

(WVSN file photo)

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means, a former West Virginia Mountaineer, had a career night Sunday in a 2-1 win against Tampa Bay.

Means struck out a career-high 12 batters, tying a franchise record with seven consecutive strikeouts during the first three innings of the game at Camden Yards. Over 5 2/3 innings, the lefty allowed one run on three hits and no walks.

9⃣ K's and just 2⃣ runs allowed in his last two starts? Yep, this guy — and he's back on the hill today. Go get 'em, @JMeans25!#HailWV ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/UX2JGCYM7j
— WVU Baseball (@WVUBaseball) September 20, 2020

“That was one of [Means’] better performances I’ve seen from him here in a year-plus,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “Thought he had four pitches working. I thought he was aggressive in the strike zone. … Just a great job of pitching. I thought we pitched well all series. I thought we had four excellent starts. Really happy with how our bullpen guys threw. So, very encouraged on how we’re pitching — but John was dominating today, and that was awesome to watch.”

Means was drafted out of West Virginia in the 11th round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Orioles was called up to Baltimore for the first time in 2018.

Prior to receiving the call, Means spent the majority of the 2018 season with Triple-A Norfolk, starting 19 games with a 6-5 record and a 3.48 ERA. In 111 1/3 innings pitched, Means allowed 43 earned runs on 123 hits with 89 strikeouts and 19 walks.

A native of Olathe, Kansas, Means was named to an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2014 and to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team in 2014. He started 25 career games as a Mountaineer and earned a record of 10-6. Means posted a 3.24 ERA with 100 strikeouts in 141 2/3 innings pitched. He gave up 51 earned runs on 145 hits with 40 walks.

Means joins David Carpenter (2004-06) of the Cincinnati Reds; Michael Grove (2016-18) of the Los Angeles Dodgers; Jedd Gyorko (2008-10) of the Milwaukee Brewers; Alek Manoah (2017-19) of the Toronto Blue Jays; and Ryan McBroom (2011-14) if the Kansas City Royals who have made the 60-man player pools being used for the shortened 2020 season.