Standout shows skills at collegiate level

Former Greenbrier High School baseball standout Bradley Key is quietly putting together a solid freshman campaign on the collegiate diamond.

After finishing up a brilliant career as a four-year starter for the Wolfpack, Key signed to play at USC-Aiken.

Through the team's first 52 games, the Pacer staff is thrilled he chose to stay close to home. USC-Aiken's record stood 34-18 and the Pacers are currently ranked in the nation's Top 20.

The 5-11, 180-lb. outfielder and pitcher has been a big part of the team's success. Despite struggling a bit on the mound with an ERA of 8.05, he has still managed a team-leading four saves in just 11 appearances.

However, at the plate is where Key has made his impact. Heading into last week's games, Key had started 49 of 52 games and was among the team leaders in several offensive categories. He was batting .301 with 37 runs scored, 12 doubles, 41 RBI and only 33 strikeouts in 196 at-bats. He also ranked fourth on the team with eight home runs.

Not bad for a freshman.

Key has been one of the premier newcomers this spring in the entire Peach Belt Conference. In any conference, his performance would be big, but in the top conference in the nation in Division II, it's really saying something.

In addition to Key, Coach Kenny Thomas also has former Greenbrier standout Sean Tiernan.

Tiernan is a 5-11, 200-lb. sophomore catcher who spent one season at Truett-McConnell junior college in Cleveland, Ga. This season with the Pacers he has started 21 games and played in 28, hitting .243 with three home runs and 12 RBI in just 74 at-bats.

Correction: In last Sunday's News-Times, former Evans High School baseball player Tydus Meadows should have been listed as a member of the Wilmington, De. minor league baseball team, the High-A minor league affiliate of the Kansas City Royals organization.