Pitcher heading to college

Kyle Golden wrapped up his high school pitching career with the Evans Knights this season. As one of the county's top pitchers, the senior hurler ensured he'll pitch at the next level by signing a National Letter of Intent on Tuesday to play ball at Middle Georgia.

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The move didn't come as a surprise for anyone who knows anything about Golden and his pitching skills, but it would have been a shocker two years ago. Back then, Golden wasn't even a pitcher.

"I didn't start pitching seriously till my sophomore or junior year," he said. "I mainly played outfield or utility."

Eventually Golden did get his chance on the mound. He didn't waste any time making an impact.

"I was pretty wild, but I just threw it hard enough," he said. "I guess that's why they let me throw."

Evans baseball coach Ricky Beale saw the potential in the young pitcher. With his speed and accompanying bat, the talent was hard to miss.

"We knew he was a good athlete," Beale said "Anyone who runs a 6.6 in the 60 (yard dash) is someone you pay close attention to."

The 6-foot-2 pitcher caught everyone else's attention his junior year in a late-season game against Greenbrier that showcased his pitching.

"I remember when I pitched against Greenbrier and everybody at school told me they were going to hit all over the place, and just try to keep the runs to a minimum. That's what I tried to do," Golden said

He did more than that. He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning against the region rival and No. 1 ranked team in the state. Greenbrier came back to win after Golden was taken out, but his reputation as a top pitcher was solidified.

A year later Golden is college-bound with an 85-87 mph fast ball and an improving change up. He also has plans beyond the two years he'll spend at the junior college.

"I know I'll get a chance to pitch there," he said. "Hopefully after two years I'll get to transfer to a (NCAA) D-I school."