Prospects pitcher returns stronger
Taran Oulton was thrown into a tough situation last year with the Edmonton Prospects, but made the most of it.
Oulton was dealing with a sprained ligament in his throwing arm and when he arrived at Prospects training camp last year made the decision to battle through it. The injury had already forced him out of the last few months of his college season.
Oulton pitched well helping the Prospects get to the Western Major Baseball League final for a second consecutive year, but now he’s 100 per cent healthy and looks like a dominant force on the mound.
After a mid-week, two-game series against the Fort McMurray Giants, the Prospects (3-2) are back to take on the Giants (3-2) for another two-game set starting Friday (7:05 p.m.) at Remax Field.
“My arm would get tired and sore really quickly, but I’m the type of guy that doesn’t use any of that as an excuse. If I was to use that as an excuse, maybe I shouldn’t be out there playing,” said Oulton of his injury. “You can pitch through it, but with it being sprained, it can snap at any given time and there were times where I had to be more cautious.
“I think I did a good job with what I was dealing with and I’m ready to take an even bigger step this year. Every time I step on the mound, I expect to be at my best to give my team a chance to win.”
In last Sunday ’s 11-5 win over the Okotoks Dawgs, Oulton got his first full start of the season and was superb, giving up just three hits and striking out eight over five innings of work.
With a healthy arm, Oulton is proving he can be one of the Prospects’ top pitchers. In two starts, Oulton has a 1-0 record with a 0.00 ERA and eight strikeouts over seven innings. He’s only given up four hits and one walk.
Last year, Oulton started eight games, compiling a 3-1 record with a 5.51 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 452/3 innings.
Oulton transferred from Hutchinson Community College to William Woods University this season and the move paid off nicely for the St. Albert product.
In 14 starts, Oulton had a 9-4 record with a 2.31 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 932/3 innings. His college season really boosted his confidence as he made the summer move back home to play for the Prospects.
“I joined the team halfway through the semester and they made me feel at home,” said Oulton. “That was the most innings I’ve ever pitched and they gave me a chance to pitch in a bigger role and playing in that conference gave me a challenge at the same time.”
All baseball teams rely on a staff ace to lead the pitching rotation. When they need a big start in a crucial game, the ball will always be in the ace’s hand.
When Noah Gapp left the Prospects in the early weeks of the 2017 season to move into the pro ranks, the Prospects pitched by committee. This year, their rotation is as deep as it has been. Oulton is showing he’s capable of being the staff ace, but they also have some other worthy candidates.
Michael Gahan, Scott Gillespie and Connor Burns are all capable of playing that role.
Prospects manager Ray Brown likes what he sees from Oulton and the rest of his staff. “We have a few guys who have that ability to be a staff ace and Taran is one of them. When he pitches, he doesn’t show any nerves. He throws strikes. He has a very good breaking ball and change-up and he knows how to pitch.”