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Cochran-Gill

Carter, Cochran-Gill finish seasons

By Michael Butler

Two former Tallassee High School pitchers have concluded their minor league seasons. Trey Cochran-Gill, a 2011 THS graduate, pitched with the Midland Rockhounds in the Texas League this year. Jed Carter, a 2013 THS alum, pitched with the Eugene Emeralds of the Northwest Leauge.

This is Cochran-Gill's third year in the minors. The Rockhounds are the Double-A affiliate of the Oakland A's. Carter is in his rookie season with the Class-A short season affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

Cochran-Gill was drafted in the 17th round of the 2014 draft out of Auburn by the Seattle Mariners. Carter was a 15th round pick from AUM by the Cubs.

"After the draft I was sent to Mesa, Ariz. for a month and a half to start out in rookie ball which is basically an introduction to professional baseball," said Carter. "Around the beginning of August I was moved to Eugene, Oreg. to play for the Emeralds and finished the year out there."

Carter went 3-1 this season with a 3.72 ERA throwing 9 2/3 innings as a reliever with Eugene and Mesa. He struck out 17 and walked six.

Cochran-Gill was 4-5 this season as a relief pitcher with a 3.07 ERA in 42 games. He struck out 58 and walked 25 in 73 1/3 innings.

"It was a pretty good season overall," said Cochran-Gill. "I had a blast playing with the guys and coaches on the Midland team. I was surrounded by a bunch of guys who wanted to win and get better which made for an awesome atmosphere."

Both players experienced the championship feeling with their teams. The Rockhounds claimed the Texas League title for the third straight year becoming the first team to complete the feat in 91 years. The Emeralds won their first title in 41 years this season.

"With the Emeralds we set a NWL record for longest win streak at 15 games," Carter continued. "I couldn't have asked for a better first year in professional baseball. Playing for the Emeralds was a great experience and one I won't ever forget."

The dynamic duo will not have much of a break, as both prepare for fall work.

"After the season I was invited to an instructional league which begins on Sept. 21 in Mesa," Carter added. "I am looking forward to the opportunity and excited to get started."

Cochran-Gill will be in Arizona also. "I'm looking forward to heading out to Arizona in a few weeks for the fall league. I can't wait to see what the 2017 season has in store," he said.

At Tallassee, Carter set the single season strikeout record in his senior season with 117. Cochran-Gill is fourth all-time at THS with 236 strikeouts behind Jeri Goodman (259), Jonathan Rivers (258) and Craig Vaught (241).

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