'Sox Across The Nation: Week Four
By: Luke Stefanisko & Ben Rekosh
We are less than 80 days until the Tom Sox take to the field to begin the Valley League season. But in the meanwhile, some former ‘Sox are making waves across the baseball world.
Let’s take a trip around the diamond and examine some of the top accolades from former ‘Sox in the next edition of ‘Sox Across the Nation.
Carlos Rodriguez, RHP, Team Nicaragua, ‘Sox class of 2021
Rodriguez is one of the three former Tom Sox suited up for a team in the World Baseball Classic. A member of the Brewers organization, Rodriguez has made 3 starts across 7 appearances in his big league career.
2026 marks his second appearance in the WBC, as he was a member of the Nicaragua squad in 2023. He made his lone WBC appearance this season in a 5-0 loss to Team Israel. Rodriguez pitched four innings, allowing only one run striking out four Israeli batters.
Despite Nicaragua not advancing onto the next round of the WBC, Rodriguez still turned in a valiant effort for his nation.
Vinne Pasquantino & Kyle Nicolas, 1B & RHP, Team Italy, ‘Sox class of 2017 & 2018
The other two Tom Sox that are on a WBC roster represent their Italian Heritage. Pasquantino and Nicolas played for Tom Sox squads that both reached the VBL championships.
Pasquantino was named the captain of Team Italy as he took part in his second World Baseball classic. Nicolas, who was just acquired by the Cincinnati Reds via trade, made his WBC debut this season. The Italians went 2-0 in their first two contests, before they clashed with Team USA. Italy then pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament so far, stunning the Americans 8-6.
Italy will face Mexico today to determine the two teams that advance on to the next round out of Pool B. Best of luck to Vinnie and Kyle as they represent the best of Italian baseball.
Preston Gamster, SS, TCU, ‘Sox class of 2025
One of the stars who helped propel Charlottesville down the stretch last season, Gamster had a big night for the Horned Frogs in their series opener against Tulane.
Gamster picked up two hits in three at-bats against the Green Wave including a home run for his first bomb of the season. He finished the contest with three RBI’s that helped widen the margin in a 10-2 win.
With a ton of season left, Gamster has a ton of time to make an impact before he heads off to the professional ranks.
Caden Ferraro, OF, Texas Tech, ‘Sox class of 2024
The former VBL champion earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors after dominating Penn State in a series sweep.
On Friday, Ferraro went 2-4 with a solo homer and two runs scored. He would reach base every at-bat for the rest of the series. Going 2-2 on Saturday with two walks, and 3-3 on Sunday with a pair of walks. He finished the weekend with an 11 at-bat on base streak.
The Big 12’s leader in average and on-base percentage, Ferraro has done his part in guiding Texas Tech to an excellent 10-4 start.
Perry Hargett & Lee Sowers, OF, INF, North Carolina, ‘Sox class of 2025
The dynamic duo of Hargett and Sowers provided a ton of vintage moments in Charlottesville last season. They helped salvage a win against the University of Virginia on Sunday in extra innings.
In a 6-6 game in the 11th inning, Sowers entered as a pinch hitter and singled but couldn’t find his way around to score. Hargett entered as a pinch runner in the 12th and after some slick baserunning, he crossed the plate as the tying run.
After contributing to the Tar Heel’s regional run last year, Hargett and Sowers will have to contribute for the squad to find the same level of success.
OTHERS
Tristan Bisetta (Ole Miss) slugged his 7th homer of the season against Evansville on Sunday.
Dawson Newman (VCU) hurled a scoreless inning and two thirds against Army.
Ethan Gibson (Virginia Tech) collected four hits in the Hokies series against Georgia Tech.
Jake Bennett (Dallas Baptist) hit two doubles and a home run against Louisiana.
Be sure to follow the Tom Sox on social media and visit tomsox.org for the latest; ‘Sox Around the Nation will publish every Wednesday.
