(Bridgewater, N.J., Feb. 5, 2019) - The Somerset Patriots announced today that right-handed pitcher Vince Molesky has been re-signed for the 2019 season.
“It’s an understatement to say that I am excited to return to Somerset,” said Molesky. “I’ve been ready to return since the season ended last year; especially with the way it ended. I’m coming back hungry and ready to win a championship.”
Molesky enters his second season with the Somerset Patriots and second in the Atlantic League. The 28 year-old shined in his first year with the Patriots, going 7-2 with a team-best 2.66 ERA and 88 strikeouts against just 22 walks over 29 appearances (11 starts). His ERA was the second lowest in the league among qualified pitchers, trailing only James Russell’s 2.36 ERA (Sugar Land Skeeters). Additionally, Molesky sported a 1.20 WHIP – third best in the league among qualifiers.
The Mountoursville, Pennsylvania native began the year in Somerset’s bullpen before transitioning into the starting rotation. He carried a 1.66 ERA over his first eight relief appearances before he made his first start of the season: a nine-strikeout performance over six one-hit innings against the Road Warriors in early June. The 6’3” righty returned to the bullpen for the next month before he was entrenched as a starting pitcher in late July.
Starting on July 26th, Molesky enjoyed a five-start stretch where he yielded just three earned runs over 34 innings (0.79 ERA). This stretch included back-to-back shutout performances on the road against first place Sugar Land. Overall, he allowed just 13 earned runs over 64.2 innings of work (1.81 ERA) in his 11 starts last year. Those numbers helped Molesky earn the nod as the Game One starting pitcher in the Liberty Division Championship Series.
“Vince went from a guy who had to make the team to our Game One starter last year,” said Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie. “It did not take long to see that Vince had some special attributes both as a pitcher and a person. He is already working extremely hard this offseason to come in ready to compete for a championship. Molesky is very much a team guy and just wants to come in and contribute in any role necessary for the team. He mixes and commands his pitches well and really keeps the hitters off balance. He will be a big part of our success this year and we are thrilled to have him back.”
The Mount St. Mary’s alumnus spent the first three years of his professional career with the Gateway Grizzlies (Frontier League). In 2017, he finished with an 8-7 record and a 3.85 ERA over 21 games (19 starts). He was tied for the league-lead in strikeouts (120) and finished third in innings pitched (128.2) while only allowing 34 walks.
Molesky made 18 starts in each of his first two seasons with the Grizzlies (2015-16). He led the Frontier League in strikeouts (110) against just 25 walks in 2016 along with a 3.70 ERA. Additionally, he struck out 96 batters against 29 walks over 108.2 innings in his first season with the Grizzlies (2015).
Molesky owns a 25-23 record with a 3.83 ERA and 414 strikeouts over 462.1 innings pitched in his four-year professional career.
The Somerset Patriots will be back in action on Friday, April 26th for Opening Day at TD Bank Ballpark. Stay up to date on all the team news throughout the offseason online; on all of our social media platforms, and on our mobile app. For more information, visit www.somersetpatriots.com.
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The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 40 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 70 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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