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SOUTHLAKE – With a three-quarter delivery, 88 mph fastball and a nasty slider, it’s easy to see how Southlake Carroll pitcher Ethan Cunningham has won seven of his nine starts this season. It also explains how the senior right-hander has a 1.62 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 60 2/3 innings pitched.
“He’s been great,” Carroll coach Larry Hughes said. “He’s done a great job of leading this team, which only had three starters returning this season.”And Cunningham wasn’t necessarily “returning.” He missed most of last season with a broken wrist he suffered during the football season. Still, Cunningham worked his way back into the Dragons lineup and started a game in the playoffs.Now, he’s trying to lead Carroll (12-17, 10-4 in District 5-5A) to an even deeper run in the playoffs this season after losing in the 5A Region I quarterfinals last year.“We’re looking to top what we did last year and go to state,” Cunningham said. “I definitely think we’re capable of that.”Most high school pitchers don’t use a three-quarter delivery. How does that help you? “That’s how I’ve been throwing my whole life. I really try and use the three-quarter delivery to my advantage because my ball tails and that makes it tough to hit.”What pitches are you featuring this season? “I’m throwing a four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball and my slider is my out pitch. And, I’ll occasionally throw in a changeup.”What makes you think this year’s Carroll team can go further than last year’s squad? “Our hitting has been amazing. Our pitching has come through with me and Ross Stripling. We’re definitely a very well-rounded team. And, I need to give a shout out to our guys that have stepped up this year. [Shortstop] Zack Bellenger and [center fielder] Ronnie Mitchell have come in and taken over. There were a lot of questions before the season about our experience and youth, but we’ve shown that we’re a playoff-caliber team.”You’ve signed to play football at William Jewell College, a NAIA school in Liberty, Mo. What drew you to that school? “I’m from that area. We moved to Texas my freshman year, so I’m used to that area. Also, my brother played football there and he really got me hooked onto the school. He played cornerback and I play wide receiver, so we always talk about who would win a one-on-one match.”You’d win against your brother, right? “Of course, I would.”Are you also going to play baseball at William Jewell? “Yes, I plan on walking on to the baseball team.”Any other hobbies? “Just hanging out with my friends and playing Call of Duty on Xbox 360. It’s a pretty fun game.”
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