April 19, 2018

Louisa native converts from reliever to starter this season

GETTING ‘START’ ED 

Story and photos by Lazer Sports reporter Bo Brumfield

Columbus, Oh. —  After making the transition from reliever to starter this year Louisa native Chandler Shepherd made his second start of the season on Tuesday night vs Columbus as his Pawtucket Red Sox squeaked by the Clippers 4-3 on a very cold night at Huntington Park.

Shepherd received his second consecutive no decision working 3 and 2/3 innings allowing eight hits, three runs, walked one and struck out five Clippers.

He threw 86 total pitches 53 of those for strikes.

On the season so far Shepherd has thrown 8 and 2/3 innings, 11 strikeouts, 13 hits, 8 runs, 4 walks, WHIP 1.96 and ERA 8.31.

Looks like his next start will come at home vs Toledo on Monday.

(NOTE: I would like to add to the story that every time I have texted, called or spent time with Chandler he is always polite, respectful and will do anything for Lawrence Co. and the town of Louisa. He is proud of where he comes from and always mentions or ask how everybody back home is doing.

Jimmy and Cindy and the rest of the family did a great job raising this young man and he his making everyone proud that is following his journey.)

Pawtucket Starting Pitcher Chandler Shepherd

CHANDLER’S COMMENTS

“… It’s different being a starter opposed to a reliever but definitely something that I have done in the past here, in college and at Lawrence Co.”

“… The thing is you have to go out and pitch you have to throw strikes and get outs, that’s been my thing from day one. Rather you’re throwing the 8th inning or starting the game.”

“… My first start was decent I would definitely like to keep the runs down and three of the five hits I gave up left the yard which is not ideal but I went five innings so not bad but the long ball hurt.”

“… I have thrown well the last few times in Columbus and I want to carry that over into this start as well”

“… The weather is different but it goes both ways whether it is 100 degrees or 30 like tonight you have to adjust both ways and not worry about it. Once you get out there you have to put it behind you and not let it affect anything. You have to throw strikes, get outs and stay focused on what you’re doing no matter the situation.”

“.. Being up north or down in Florida is a long way from home so anytime I can see family and friends when I come close it puts a smile on my face and puts me in a good mood. It gets me excited and takes me back to high school and college they saw me pitch and play all the time. It means a little more to me because I want to make them proud the support they show and when they can come watch it makes it even better.”