By David Lee @ Shutterstock.com
A Strong Start to a College Career
Have you heard about the ambidextrous college pitcher? That would be one Jurrangelo Cijntje, a “true freshman” at Mississippi State, who threw four scoreless innings in MSU’s 14-3 win over Louisiana-Monroe. Cijntje was dominant, striking out seven and allowing just one hit in four scoreless innings.
Jurrangelo Cijntje has a rare skill set: Clijntje is able to pitch with either his right or left arm, reports Yahoo Sports.
Six of Cijntje’s seven strikeouts came as a right-handed pitcher, the other came as a lefty. It’s entirely matchup dependent. Cijntje throws righty against right-handed batters and lefty against left-handed batters.
And he tops 90 miles per hour on the radar gun from both sides. It’s remarkable.
In total, he’s pitched five innings and hasn’t allowed a run. Along the way, he has eight strikeouts, just one walk and has allowed three hits. That’s a strong way to start a college career.
A native of Curacao Cijntje’s played high school ball in Pembroke Pines, Florida. At 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, he’s already on the radar of MLB scouts.
The 19-year-old was drafted in the 18th round of last year’s MLB draft by the Milwaukee Brewers, but he opted to stick with his commitment to Mississippi State and enroll in classes.
According to MLB Draft Combine:
Cijntje is actually a natural lefty who began throwing right-handed as a 6-year-old while mimicking his father, who is right-handed. His ability to throw right-handed allowed him to play shortstop and catcher when he was younger.
Of Cijntje’s seven strikeouts, six came as a right-handed pitcher; the seventh came as a lefty. In what is described as “matchup dependent,” “Cijntje throws righty against right-handed batters and lefty against left-handed batters.”
What is also striking, Cijntje’s tops 90 miles per hour on the radar gun from both sides.
Jay Nordlinger brought to NRO readers’ attention Jurrangelo Cijntje’s rare skill. In Impromtus, Mr. Nordlinger admits to writing often about the Right and the Left, “righties and lefties.”
In closing, Jay Nordlinger wishes “a happy Tuesday to political geeks and non-geeks alike.”
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