The ninth best starting pitcher in the 2021 Valley League season is Harrisonburg’s Garret Simpson.

A 6-foot righthander from Eastern Kentucky, Simpson went 0-1, 2.73 in 23 innings, with a .226 BAA, 1.087 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9, and 9.0 K/9. He finished sixth in the league in BB/9, seventh in WHIP, and eighth in ERA. His best start was on June 17 against Waynesboro, when he fired six innings while allowing five hits, two runs (one earned), didn’t walk anyone, and struck out seven.

At Eastern Kentucky in 2020, Simpson completed only three innings. In 2021, he went 1-5, 4.27 in 52 2/3 innings, with 14 walks and 31 strikeouts. He was named to the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll both years.

Simpson has transferred to Wright State for the 2022 college season.