Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Zoz Making Magic Out of Raiders’ Pen
5/23/2021 12:00:00 PM | Baseball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — David Zoz knew his last season pitching for Middle Tennessee was going to be special. He probably couldn't have expected it to go as well as it has, though.
Zoz solidified himself as a trusty reliever in the early part of the 2019 season, his first with the Blue Raiders after transferring from Illinois Central College.
This year, "The Wizard," as he's fittingly nicknamed, has taken over as the go-to arm late in games.
He leads the Blue Raiders and is third in Conference USA with 22 appearances out of the pen. His 17 games finished lead the league, and he's also fourth in saves (six) and tied for ninth with six wins.
"It's just been amazing to be able to play … after last year being so tough and wanting to play," Zoz said. "I never thought when I was in high school I would get to play Division I baseball … and to end it this way, I'm just really thankful for the opportunity."
The left-hander proved his talent in 2019. He started in the bullpen before moving to the rotation late in the year, making seven starts. His 20 appearances were second on the team, and he finished with a 3.44 ERA with 51 strikeouts against 30 walks. His record was 2-3.
Zoz was anticipating being primarily a relief option in 2020, and actually made a team-high seven appearances before the COVID-19 pandemic canceled most of the season.
That role carried over to this year. Zoz captured his first save of the season in the first weekend against Oakland, allowing a single baserunner in an inning of work.
He's proven to be a versatile relief piece, going more than an inning in 14 of his 22 appearances, including a five-frame outing in a win over UAB at the end of April and four innings in a tie against Rice a few weeks earlier.
"He's a really smart kid and just knows how to pitch," head coach Jim Toman said. "He has the perfect arm slot to come out of the bullpen … and he really just wants to contribute in any way he can. That's huge to have in your bullpen."
Zoz's ability to throw strikes has been the secret behind his rise this season.
His walk rate in 2019 was a respectable .54 per inning pitched, but this year is down to .12. He has a 38:5 strikeout-to-walk ratio, leading to a slim 1.63 ERA. Opposing batters are only hitting .201 off the southpaw.
"It definitely was an adjustment when I got here two years ago," Zoz said. "I'm really just trying to stay in my own head and stay composed. I've learned to go out there and remain focused and calm the whole time, controlling what I can control."
He's hoping the Blue Raiders can get in a spot in their Conference USA Tournament opener against top-seeded Charlotte where he can come in and make an impact on a win.
Middle Tennessee hasn't been to the league tournament since 2015, so just getting there is an accomplishment. Zoz and his teammates want to do more than just make it to Ruston, Louisiana, though.
"It means a lot. Our goal was to get there, and once you're there, anything can happen," he said. "We know we're good enough and know that if we go down there ready to play, we can surprise some people."
A couple of wins in the C-USA Tournament would surely put a bow on a successful final season on the collegiate diamond for Zoz. If the Blue Raiders can grab a lead later in the game, look for the lefty to come out of the pen ready to work some magic.
Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter (@MT_Baseball), Facebook (Blue Raider Baseball) and Instagram (@MT_Baseball).
