According to Bullitt East High School baseball coach Jeff Bowles, the scouting report on state semifinal opponent Campbell County is “they hit the 85 mph fastball real well.”
For Bullitt East starting pitcher Kyle McKinley, whose fastball averages about 80 mph, that might end up being a good thing.
“I said, ‘Well, they’re not going to see an 85 mph fastball,’” Bowles said. “We don’t have a radar gun, and I always tell them I don’t care how hard you throw as long as you get people out.”
McKinley has been getting opposing hitters out all season and will get another chance at 8:30 p.m. Friday when the Chargers (28-10) face Campbell County (28-10) in the semifinals of the Rawlings/KHSAA State Tournament at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Ky.
St. Xavier (27-12) will meet McCracken County (37-5) in Friday’s first semifinal at 6 p.m. The championship game is set for 7 p.m. Saturday.
McKinley is a big reason the Chargers have reached the state semifinals for the first time since 2009. The 6-foot, 170-pound right-hander is 10-2 with a 1.78 ERA and has 53 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings. He got the victory last Friday when Bullitt East beat Oldham County 6-3 in the first round of the state tournament, allowing nine hits and three runs in 6 1/3 innings.
The numbers against Oldham County weren’t eye-popping but speak to McKinley’s effectiveness. Along with his fastball, he throws a change-up and a slider.
“I tend to hit my spots more than anything, and I keep batters off-balance very well,” McKinley said. “That’s the biggest thing for me.”
Added Bowles: “He’s smart, and he locates three pitches and that’s nice. You can have a 100 mph fastball, but if you don’t throw strikes or you’re predictable it doesn’t matter.”
Bowles said he’s been impressed with McKinley since he joined the program as a freshman. After battling shoulder problems early last season, McKinley assumed the role of ace midway through the season. His only losses this year were to Pleasure Ridge Park and South Oldham.
McKinley said he’s not nervous about pitching in such a big game Friday.
“I know it’s going to be my last game on the mound pitching in a Bullitt East uniform, but it’s just another game,” he said. “I’m going to go out there and try to get another win.”
When not pitching, McKinley plays shortstop and has a .275 batting average with 10 runs and seven RBIs. Bowles said he’s one of the team’s best bunters.
McKinley has signed with Brescia University in Owensboro, Ky., after also considering Bellarmine and Southern Indiana. He plans to study business administration and said he’d ultimately like to replace Bowles as the Chargers’ head coach.
Bowles said McKinley has the demeanor to be a good coach and teacher.
“He doesn’t get ruffled,” Bowles said. “He used to when he was a freshman, but all freshmen are that way. It’s like their dog has been shot every time somebody scores a run. But he’s outgrown that, and that’s just made him better. He’s more resilient. When things go bad, that doesn’t sink his ship.”
Jason Frakes can be reached at (502) 582-4046 and jfrakes@courier-journal.com.
RAWLINGS/KHSAA STATE BASEBALL TOURNAMENT
* Where: Whitaker Bank Ballpark, Lexington, Ky.
* Tickets: $14 in home-plate area, $10 general admission.
* Parking: $3.
* Friday’s semifinals: St. Xavier (27-12) vs. McCracken County (37-5), 6 p.m.; Bullitt East (28-10) vs. Campbell County (28-10), 8:30 p.m.
* Saturday’s final: 7 p.m.