(Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
Nate Sweeney, a right-handed pitcher at Cherry Creek who will be a senior in the fall, committed to Arizona to play baseball on Saturday.
He announced his decision on Twitter:
I have officially committed to the University of Arizona! I would love to thank all my friends, family and coaches! pic.twitter.com/jDKxhXXKYj
— Nate Sweeney (@Nate_6sweeney) June 20, 2015
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound Sweeney helped the Bruins reach the Final 8 last season, and did most of the damage with his bat. He hit .339 with a home run and nine RBIs.
On the mound, Sweeney made three appearances, including one start, last season, and finished with a 7.88 ERA. He struck out seven in 5 1/3 innings.
Sweeney’s profile on PrepBaseballReport.com lists his fastball at 87-89 and touching 90 mph.
Former Legend star Bobby Dalbec is now one of Arizona’s best players, but figures to be drafted and gone by the time Sweeney arrives on campus.
Arizona just hired former Nevada coach Jay Johnson to replace the retiring Andy Lopez, who led the Wildcats to the 2012 NCAA Championship.
Sweeney is the ninth known local baseball player to commit from the Class of 2016.