Pepperdine University pitcher Jon Moscot took to the mound last Saturday looking to help end the Waves’ five game losing streak. In the opposing dugout were the Gonzaga Bulldogs, co-leaders in the West Coast Conference. Moscot not only helped his team, he dominated the opposition.
Moscot threw a complete game shutout in Pepperdine’s 3-0 victory over Gonzaga at Eddy D. Field Stadium. The 6-foot, 4-inch sophomore from Pacific Palisades became the first Waves pitcher this season to accomplish the feat. He gave up five hits, struck out five batters and walked only two.
“I eliminated my curveball in the bullpen before the game and started just throwing my slider, fastball and changeup,” Moscot said. “I just felt that every time I threw it I had a feel of where it was going. When you can get ahead of hitters like that it really helps. I felt good the whole day.”
Pepperdine Coach Steve Rodriguez recognized the gem of a game thrown by Moscot.
“Jon has been pretty consistent for us all year and he’s a great competitor,” Rodriguez said. “His ability today to keep batters off balance was phenomenal and he deserves a lot of credit. A complete game shutout is a rarity in college baseball and when you get a chance to do that, it makes for a very special day.”
Moscot’s nine-inning masterpiece came against one of the best teams in the country. Gonzaga is currently in a battle for the West Coast Conference championship with San Francisco but Moscot (2-1, 3.92) stifled the Bulldogs every inning. As the game progressed, Moscot only became stronger and more effective. He finished the game throwing 125 total pitches, 85 of them strikes.
“It seemed like they (Gonzaga) were feeling more and more defeated as the game went on,” Moscot said.
The hard-throwing right hander will take his talents to the prestigious Cape Cod League in Massachusetts over the summer. It’s the premier collegiate summer league in the country, attracting ballplayers from the best baseball programs across the nation. Moscot will play for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks.
“It’s going to be a great summer,” Moscot said. “Great competition. I look forward to it.”
Before he heads back to the East Coast, Moscot has one more start this weekend versus Saint Mary’s as the Waves conclude their season.