Landen McLaughlin, West Texas High baseball, Jr.
On the diamond: Landen McLaughlin was a key cog in helping West Texas High finish the regular season strong in a pair of District 1-2A wins over Highland Park, 8-3, and 12-2 last week. At the plate, McLaughlin had a great showing going 2-for-4 in the first matchup with a triple, a homer and four RBIs. In the series sweep, McLaughlin was at it again going 2-for-5 with another triple on top of three runs driven in. Not only did the junior have his bat going, he also came up clutch on the mound. In the 12-2 victory, McLaughlin threw a five inning run-rule no-hitter against the Hornets racking up nine strikeouts.
On the season, McLaughlin is hitting .375 with four doubles, two home runs and 15 RBIs.
Coach Trey Griffin: “We have improved throughout the year and we’ve been cutting down our errors. I think with Landen, he’s a guy that wants the ball in his hands on the mound. He’s been going over to Frank Phillips College and working to improve. I wish we had a few more of him because of that. He is always clutch at driving in runs and is always dialed in. He is a pull hitter but can spray the ball when we ask him too, and he has a little pop to his bat.”
McLaughlin: “I think we’re starting to play some of our best baseball right now. We’re all focused and we’re hitting the ball really well. We just have to stay focused as a team and I have to stay focused. I think on the mound, I need to keep doing what I’m doing and keep getting better and keep the ball in play with my a good defense behind me. At the plate, I just have to keep being confident.”
About McLaughlin
Favorite band or musician: Likes all types of music
Favorite social media platform: Facebook
Favorite athlete: Carson Benje
Bet you didn’t know: He likes to play video games.
Parents: Natalie McLaughlin.