Johnson throws well in relief to earn win for Indiana Wesleyan
Parker Johnson
Parker Johnson of Anchorage pitched well in relief for Indiana Wesleyan University and was rewarded with his first win.
The right-hander struck out a career-high six batters over 4.1 innings as NAIA Wildcats beat Saint Francis 14-11 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The former South Post 4 player entered the slugfest in the bottom of the fifth inning and kept things close, allowing two earned runs and one walk.
He scattered eight hits and wiggled out of several jams.
“Parker Johnson stayed after it in his work on the mound,” said Indiana Wesleyan coach Rich Benjamin.
This was Johnson’s first win in five appearances this season.
Johnson is one of the more versatile college baseball players from Alaska, having performed as a pitcher and everyday player in his career.
He has started at pitcher, left field, third base, shortstop, center field, right field, second base and designated hitter.
Johnson has been most effective at the plate, with a .265 career average and 32 RBIs in 80 games.
But he can also deliver on the mound and stepped up when his name was called in the finale of a four-game series, helping Indiana Wesleyan complete the sweep and remain undefeated in the Crossroads League.