Eric Browning is producing some eye-popping numbers for the TC Thunder.
The senior pitcher has struck out 57 batters in 23 1/3 innings with a 1.20 earned-run average and 3-1 record. Opponents' batting average against him? A measly .090.
"He's an overpowering pitcher and throws pretty hard for this level," TC Thunder coach Clay Haymart said. "I've never had a gun on him, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was in the high 80s (mph) and even the low 90s when he comes into full form in the summer."
Browning is a senior at Bancroft-Rosalie, which is in the cooperative sponsorship with Pender and West Point-Beemer, all towns in Thurston and Cuming counties, thus the TC Thunder name. He signed with Wayne State to play baseball.
"He's become more accurate as the season has gone on. He's only walked four batters in his last three appearances," Haymart said. "He was a little wild early on.
Browning hurled a no-hitter against Guardian Angels Central Catholic/Dodge/Scribner-Snyder in the Platte Valley Tournament earlier this spring.
"He's real confident with his stuff and has been successful for a long time," Haymart said. "Last year, Pender was Class C runner-up in the senior Legion season. And the year before, the junior team was the runner-up. So he has experience being in competitive ball games. He knows how to win."
Browning, who will play for the East team in the Eight-Man All-Star football game June 16, rushed for 823 yards for Bancroft-Rosalie with 14 touchdowns. He also recorded 85 tackles with one interception, and had 36 of his 44 kickoffs go for touchbacks as the Panthers kicker.
