From Oak Hill, Virginia, a student at James Madison, and a returner to the league from 2019, Harrisonburg Turk starter Liam McDonnell didn’t have much adjusting to do this summer, and he went out and had one of the best seasons in the league.

In 35 summer innings, the six-foot lefty went 3-0, 2.83, with a 1.171 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9, and 8.0 K/9. He finished ninth in the league in ERA, and seventh in innings pitched. He threw really well his first time out, on June 6 against New Market, when he fired five shutout innings, allowing four hits, no walks, and striking out eight. He second best start was in the tiny confines in Strasburg, where he threw six shutout innings while allowing two hits, three walks, and struck out six. He also started one game in the playoffs for the Turks- he allowed four runs in four innings in that one.

In the summer of 2019, McDonnell went 3-1, 4.09 in 22 innings, while allowing 23 hits, seven walks, and striking out 21.

At JMU, McDonnell has waited his turn. He appeared in one game in 2018, seven in 2019, and three in Covid-shortened 2020. In 2021, he went 1-3, 7.12, with 25 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings.

His summer season opened some eyes- the word on the street is that pro scouts have been tuning in. Watch for an excellent spring in 2022!

  • (JMU)
  • (Michael Terndrup)
  • (Michael Terndrup)