Braeden Gowdy says it every game. All his dogs gotta eat. They’ve been listening. Gowdy energizes the Wildcats with his contagious enthusiasm—making sure his teammates catch it one way or another—three games a week. He then gives them a chance to win with his efforts on the mound during the other. The Wildcat of the Week allowed only one run in six innings of work Sunday. The Wildcats eventually lost 2-1, but Gowdy’s efforts on the mound have led to a number of wins, while the spark he gives his team through his leadership has led to many others.
The junior from Pleasant Hill is off to a 5-0 start in seven appearances (six starts) and sports a 4.13 ERA. His five victories are tied with teammates Rylan Tinsley and Cody Gentry for the most in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). And he’s one of just five qualifying pitchers in the conference who has not yet lost. He’s 3-0 in conference play.
But anyone who has been to The Nett on one of Gowdy’s off days knows that he means much more to the team than what he contributes on the mound. His good energy is a part of what has been a tremendous recipe for the Wildcats thus far this season. They are off to a 22-6 start, ranked No. 14 in the nation, and lead the CCAA standings at 15-4 at the midway point of the conference campaign.
Gowdy and the Wildcats are on the road this weekend for a four-game series at Cal State LA. The series starts with a single game Friday at 6 p.m., continues with a doubleheader Saturday at 1 p.m., and concludes with a single game Sunday at 11 a.m. Gowdy will likely take the mound on Sunday, but he’ll be making an impact all weekend long.
