Clutch Player of the Year: Cal Conley

In Tech’s finale against UCONN, as they were looking for a series sweep in Game 4, they went into extra innings and entered the bottom of the tenth down 6-8. After Rombach had hit a home run to bring them to within one, Conley stepped up to hit a solo shot to tie the game at 8-8. And after that Braxton Fulford hit another home run to give Tech the win.

Another clutch play by Conley came against TCU in Game 2. The scored was all tied up 5-5 going into the bottom of the 10th until he stepped up to the plate. Conley went on to hit a solo shot and win the game for Tech on a walk-off. There was certainly no doubt of it going out as it left his bat. He would be smothered by his teammates and soaked with water as it allowed Tech to even the series. Tech would go on to win Game 3 and win the series against TCU.

Mr. “Walk-off” would strike again against Stephen F. Austin when going into the 9th the scored was tied at 3-3. Tech’s defense was able to get three outs and get a chance to win the game. With bases loaded and one out on a 2-2 count Conley stepped in and hit a base hit to left that allowed Fulford to score. The team would run out to celebrate with him in the infield. Tech would go on to win Game 2 and take the series.

There were many highlights to this season and many plays made by Tech, but Conley was always there to make big-time plays. After walk-offs in the span of a week this is what earned him Clutch Player of the Year. Tech will certainly need more plays like that from Conley and the rest of the team as they head into the Big 12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament in order to get to Omaha.