Holzhammer sharpens up with EOSC, prepares to play for Tarleton State
Matt Holzhammer of Wister gave a strong sophomore season for Eastern Oklahoma State College this spring and is now preparing for taking the next step with Tarleton State University.
“Overall it was a good year. I did better than I did at Carl Albert,” Holzhammer said. He spent his freshman season at Carl Albert State College last year. “My velocity was a lot better. I had a better ERA [earned-run average].”
In 17 pitching outings (16 starts) he had 83 strikeouts in 77 innings, a 6-4 record, two complete games and a 3.97 ERA.
“I learned how to use my stuff better,” he said. Hitting at the plate, he had a .369 on-base percentage, showing patience with 25 walks.
“The coach at Eastern helped me with my approach,” he said.
He hit six home runs and had 32 runs batted in. Holzhammer had a stellar showing on the mound in the Region 2 postseason tournament against Seminole State College, pitching 8.1 innings with five hits allowed and 11 strikeouts as the Mountaineers won 6-3. “It set a tone for the tournament,” he said.
The Mountaineers ended the season 28-24 after going 2-2 in the Region 2 Tournament.
Holzhammer’s fastball sits between 88 and 92 mph. His slider is in the mid-80s. His changeup is at 80 mph. He has worked on his command on his changeup. In the next year, he is hoping to get his fastball to hit 95 mph.
Holzhammer said he will likely be a starting pitcher as his main role. He may also see time at first base. “I’ve just got to earn my spot,” he said.
From June to early August, Holzhammer will be playing in the California Collegiate League, where he’ll face players from Division I baseball (including Power 5 players) and junior colleges.