By Robert Wilson
Only one Mississippi pitcher – Stone County alumnus and current South Alabama left-hander Gehrig Conrad – has pitched a complete game shutout over Northwest Rankin since 2016.
Until last week.
Germantown junior right-hander and Tulane commitment Drew Harrison threw a two-hit, complete game shutout with seven strikeouts over the defending MHSAA Class 6A state champions Thursday for a 2-0 victory in a non-region game at Germantown in a possible preview of this year’s state championship series.
For his outstanding performance, Harrison has been named the PriorityOne Bank/MSB Metro Jackson Baseball Player of the Week.
Harrison allowed a single in each of the first and second innings and allowed only one runner to get to third base (in the first inning) in the pitching gem against Northwest Rankin. He didn’t allow a baserunner in the last three innings.
“Drew has been great for us on the mound this year,” first-year Germantown coach Chris Peden said. “He has started and closed games out of the bullpen. I think Drew has gotten better with command of his fastball as the year has gone along. He was dominant against Northwest Rankin, which is a very good team. Drew has been our most consistent starter all year. He is also our leading hitter on the year. We are looking to make a playoff run and I’m glad he is on our team. I believe Drew will be one of the top 10 players in the state next year.”
Harrison has a 3-1 record with two saves with a 0.51 earned run average and with 32 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings and has helped Germantown to a 17-3 record entering this week. A second baseman or shortstop when he doesn’t pitch, Harrison is hitting a team-high .446 with 23 runs scored, 19 runs batted in, 1 double, 2 triples and 2 home runs.
Germantown’s next game is against Clinton in Game 2 of a three-game 6A, Region 4 series Thursday at 7 p.m. at Clinton. Harrison is scheduled to be the starting pitcher.
Coaches can nominate their players by calling or texting Robert Wilson at 601.506.2276. Only players who play for teams in Hinds, Madison and Rankin Counties are eligible.
