Rebels' Pate to continue baseball career at UMO

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 30, 2015 11:26 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

CALYPSO -- Trey Pate remembers attending University of Mount Olive games as a middle schooler and cheering on the Trojans during their run to the 2008 NCAA Division II College World Series title.

Once he reached high school, he continued to ride out to Scarborough Field and take in a game or two during the season.

The players' demeanor, their intensity and respect for the program left a lasting impression.

"I really liked how they played on the field, how they went about playing baseball and I liked how they carried themselves," Pate said. "That helped me make my decision."

And his decision?

Pate will wear a UMO uniform next season. The North Duplin senior signed a national letter-of-intent to play for the Trojans, who just made their sixth consecutive appearance in the Southeast Regional.

The Rebels also completed one of their most-successful campaigns on the diamond. They won 12 games and advanced to the eastern semifinals of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-A playoffs.

A left-hander, Pate logged a 5-5 worksheet and 2.90 earned run average in 58 innings on the bump. He retired 105 batters on strikeouts, tossed three complete games and registered one save.

But there's still plenty of improvement ahead.

"I know I can bring energy," Pate said. "It's not about talent any more at that level, it's about out-working everybody. What I do on the field, that's going to handle itself. I'm just excited to get over there, focus on improving myself and help them win games."

Pate has a three-pitch arsenal -- fastball, curveball and change-up. He's comfortable throwing any of the three at any point in the count. However, he must get ahead in the count and keep the ball down in the zone.

"Command," Pate said. "I was a little spotty throughout the year and you could see glimpses of where I need to be. I'm not going to overpower people, but keep coming at them with different stuff.

"That's the biggest thing for me and (the) key to my success."

Mount Olive lost two starters to graduation, including the Conference Carolinas pitcher-of-the-year -- Gunner Kines. Southpaw Kodi Whitley returns and is expected to once again contend for a spot in the weekend rotation.

Trojan head coach Carl Lancaster also struggled to find a closer out of the bullpen. Pitchers had trouble with location and allowed late-inning rallies that led to uncharacteristic losses against some lower-tier conference opponents.

Pate hopes he can help change that trend.

"I want to go where I'm challenged," Pate said. "I know I'm not the best player on the field and will really have to work. Being around Coach Lancaster on a day-in, day-out basis is really going to help me.

"He's helped so many players get to the next level. He can really help you out if you're willing to work. If I don't work (hard), his hands are tied."