Chapin’s Becker showing why he’s a future Gamecock
CHAPIN, S.C. (BVM) — Chapin High School stud pitcher Matthew Becker is considered one of the best in the state of South Carolina, and he got a chance to prove just that on April 7. In a showdown with Greenville High School at the SC Diamond Invitational, the South Carolina Gamecocks commit got the start versus Rocco Reid, a Clemson University pitching commit.
Although Becker was unable to pick up the win, he went toe-to-toe with Reid who isn’t just one of the best pitchers in S.C., but one of the best in the entire country. The southpaw pitched a complete game with 11 punchouts, allowing just two runs, one of which was unearned. The game concluded with Becker having tossed 119 pitches.
Becker has ascended over the years while playing for the Diamond Devils travel club. At 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, he’s able to generate some solid velocity behind his pitches. Since 2016 he’s added 18 miles per hour onto his curveball, consistently clocking out at around 90 miles per hour, a high speed for a lefty.
For contrast, the 2021 class average speed on a lefty fastball is 82 miles per hour.
He also works in a slider, curveball and changeup to keep the hitters he faces off balance. Becker is one of 13 players currently committed to the Gamecocks, and one of five pitchers. However, he is the only lefty among the slew of pitchers.
