HOUSTON -- UC Irvine junior right-hander Kyle Hooper kicked off his 2012 campaign on a strong note Saturday by allowing just one hit with one walk and two strikeouts over four shutout innings of relief to help lead the No. 24 Anteaters to a 5-1 win over Southern University during the 2012 Urban Invitational in Houston.
Hooper, a product of Saugus (Calif.) High School, projects as UC Irvine's top eligible draftee for the 2012 First-Year Player Draft.
The 20-year-old right-hander was selected by the Pirates in the 28th round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, but didn't sign.
He made 18 relief appearances as a freshman in 2010 before compiling a 3-0 record with a 4.06 ERA and 31 strikeouts over 44 1/3 innings in 17 games (six starts) as a sophomore for the Anteaters.
Hooper has an ideal frame (6-foot-5, 220-pounds) and throws a fastball in the low 90s, with solid command of his secondary pitches.
The right-hander expects to be a contributor for a nationally-ranked UC Irvine squad that's capable of making the College World Series.
With UC Irvine falling just an out short of making the College World Series last season, the Anteaters are hungry to justify the situation.
Their heartbreaking 3-2 loss against the Virginia Cavaliers in Game 3 of the 2011 NCAA Super Regional tournament strikes a nerve and continues to fuel UC Irvine's competitive drive for 2012.
"We want to get back to where we were last season," Hooper said. "It was a great run for us. We want to be able to do that again. We have several returnees. Hopefully, we can reach the next step and get to the College World Series in Omaha. That's the goal."
Hooper told Examiner.com that he's in the midst of an ideal situation, especially with 2012 being a draft-eligible season for him.
"I want to pitch well this year and help us out," Hooper said. "I want to help get us to the College World Series in Omaha. If I do that, it will help me as a junior and the whole draft thing. It is everyone's dream to get drafted. I was lucky enough for it to happen coming out of high school. If I can pitch well again this season, I am hoping it happens again. It's really my goal and dream."
How do MLB scouts view Hooper?
Astros assistant general manager/director of scouting Bobby Heck says there's interest in Hooper, but it's way too early to determine where he may fall in the Draft, along with several others.
"We're aware of Kyle Hooper," Heck said. "There's definitely interest. For now, it's early to know where players may go in the Draft."
For the latest Astros news, click on the Subscribe button at the top of the page. Also, be sure to follow Houston Astros Examiner Stephen Goff on Facebook and Twitter, or email sgoff80@yahoo.com.
Comments