Justin Malone made a big move in the fall.
At the urging of Georgia State University pitching coach Jason Arnold, Malone shifted from being the Panthers’ reliable closer to joining the starting rotation.
It was a pretty heady move considering Malone holds the GSU record for career saves with 12.
“It was his idea to begin with for me to be a starter,” Malone said. “It’s been a learning route. It seems like I’m learning something new every day. Starting in high school was different. It was a little easier I guess you could say.
“Now, you really have to concentrate on every pitch. These guys can hit. It takes focus on every pitch. It’s something I’m really enjoying and I’m looking forward to getting a lot better at it.”
To say that move has paid off this season would be a major understatement.
Malone is 7-1 with a 3.81 ERA over 14 starts and ranks second on the team in strikeouts (52) and innings pitched (85). The former Abingdon High School star earned his third Colonial Athletic Association pitcher of the week accolade of the season on Monday.
Georgia State opens the CAA tournament on Thursday against James Madison.
“I’m enjoying the starting role and the team’s headed in a good way right now,” Malone said. “Right now, we’re getting to the part of the season where every game counts. It’s getting really fun.”
Those that knew Malone when he was racking up the wins as a star at Abingdon aren’t shocked at the success he’s had at the NCAA Division I program. He led the Falcons to a regional title and a berth in the Group AA tournament as a senior.
The highlights have continued at the next level.
“I’m definitely not surprised,” said Abingdon coach Mark Francisco. “He’s a special player and a special kid. You knew he was going to have success. He’s a great athlete with a great work ethic. If I would define a ballplayer, I would think of Justin.”
The junior right-hander is 12-2 with a 3.79 ERA and 105 strikeouts in his first three seasons at Georgia State. In other words, the campus in downtown Atlanta has been a nice second home for Malone.
“Oh yeah, it’s been great,” he said. “I caught a couple of breaks and had an opportunity to come out here to school and play. It’s been a great experience – a great school and a great coaching staff. I’m really glad I ended up here. It’s been the perfect fit.”
thayes@bristolnews.com | Twitter:@Hayes_BHCSports | (276) 645-2570
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