Ralston
MOOSIC – Hunter Ralston, a senior right-hander, is being counted on as one of the main starting pitchers for the University of Scranton baseball team this season.
The Pittston Area graduate has already made three starts, posting a 1-0 record and 2.76 earned run average while striking out 10 in 16 1/3 innings.
Ralston has been one of the starters the Royals used in Landmark Conference games the past two seasons. He is serving as a team captain this year.
“We’re looking for him to continue to serve that role as a leader and a dominant starter,” assistant coach Alfonso Reda said during Bill Howerton Baseball/Softball Media Day at PNC Field in February. “He’s probably our 1-B or No. 2 starter. He typically starts the opening game of a conference series.”
Ralston was the second-most used pitcher for Scranton, which took an 8-4 record into the weekend. He has shown good control, walking just three while allowing 17 hits.
“He sets the tone for the weekend,” Reda said. “He’s just a great leader and a great person to have on the team.”
Ralston made 11 appearances, including 10 starts, last season and went 3-3 with a 3.51 ERA, fifth-best in the Landmark. He was a second-team conference all-star.
Ralston’s 2020 college debut was cut short when COVID shut down the team after he had gone 10 innings without allowing an earned run through two appearances. He was Landmark Pitcher of the Week.
As a sophomore, Ralston made six starts and three relief appearances with a 5.45 ERA.
