Beggs Named Tony Gwynn Classic Most Outstanding Pitcher

SAN DIEGO — After firing eight-shutout, two-hit innings, Kentucky senior right-hander Dustin Beggs has been named Tony Gwynn Classic Most Outstanding Pitcher, it was announced on Sunday afternoon.

A native of Roswell, Ga., Beggs turned in a strong performance, striking out 10 in his eight shutout innings, surrendering just two singles and a walk. He fired first-pitch strikes in 19 of the 28 hitters he faced, squaring off with just three over the minimum.  

A two-time MLB Draft selection, including a 32nd round pick in 2015, Beggs earned his ninth career win. A 6-foot-2 senior right-hander, Beggs worked his 10th career quality start and recorded his second career double-digit strikeout effort, also fanning 12 vs. No. 6 Vanderbilt in 2015. Beggs, who led all junior colleges in strikeouts in 2014, sports a 0.64 ERA in his first 14 innings in 2016 and with a 3.26 ERA in his career, ranks seventh in UK history.

Kentucky (3-2) concludes the Gwynn Classic vs. Bryant – the favorite in the Northeast Conference  – at 5 p.m. ET at San Diego’s Fowler Park.