Marshall’s Drew Harlow pitches during a Sun Belt Conference baseball game against Texas State, Friday, April 5, 2024, at Jack Cook Field in Huntington.
Marshall’s Drew Harlow throws the first pitch in the Thundering Herd’s first game at Jack Cook Field during an NCAA baseball game against Manhattan, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Huntington.
Marshall’s Drew Harlow pitches during a Sun Belt Conference baseball game against Texas State, Friday, April 5, 2024, at Jack Cook Field in Huntington.
Marshall’s Drew Harlow throws the first pitch in the Thundering Herd’s first game at Jack Cook Field during an NCAA baseball game against Manhattan, Friday, March 1, 2024, in Huntington.
HUNTINGTON — Drew Harlow by any other name is still a terrific pitcher.
Marshall University’s Harlow, a senior from Halifax, Virginia, changed his name when he was 12, going from David Andrew Lester to Andrew James Harlow.
“That was to be named after my mom,†Harlow said.
Harlow’s name is becoming well-known in the Sun Belt Conference. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound right-hander has helped the Thundering Herd rank third in the league in pitching.
Harlow is 6-4 with a 4.53 earned run average. In 10 games, all starts, he has allowed 55 hits in 59 2/3 innings, struck out 59 and walked 13. Foes are batting .239.
“I execute pitches the best I can, limit mistakes and keep us in the ball game,†Harlow said.
Harlow was named the Sun Belt pitcher of the week on Tuesday, marking the fourth such award for the Herd this season, breaking Marshall’s record of three set in 2002 and tied in 2005 and 2019.
Harlow worked out of the bullpen last season after transferring from Patrick & Henry Community College. In 20 games, he went 3-4 with a 7.39 ERA. Harlow fanned 33 and walked 18 in 31 2/3 innings, allowing 33 hits. He recorded one save.
Those numbers might not suggest a hurler ready to start, but Harlow made the transition to the rotation well. He pitches with a low-90s fastball, a curve he’d like to be more consistent and a change-up.
Harlow was dominant April 19 in a 4-2 victory over Old Dominion at Jack Cook Field. He whiffed nine, walked none and allowed two hits in seven innings.
One start earlier at Sun Belt power Louisiana, Harlow struck out nine, walked two and gave up three hits in a 3-1 loss.
Harlow has beaten Michigan State, Manhattan, Arkansas State, Appalachian State, Texas State and Old Dominion this season. The win over Manhattan came in the first game at Jack Cook Field, Marshall’s new ballpark.
The difference for Harlow from 2023 to 2024?
“Confidence,†Harlow said. “Mostly what I learned about is the mental side, staying confident, staying within myself and just knowing I’m here and I can do it. I believe in the team and the hitters to put up runs and win us some ball games.â€
Harlow, a sports management major who graduates this week, said he enjoys playing video games, hunting and fishing.
Herd coach Greg Beals said he likes watching Harlow pitch.
“He competes,†Beals said. “He set the tempo for us [against Old Dominion].â€
Harlow said he plans to put his degree to work, but hopes to delay it a while by earning a shot at pitching professionally.
“It feels good to be done with school,†Harlow said. “It’s a part of life I enjoyed, but it’s opening a new chapter in life, and that’s exciting. I 100% would like to play at the next level. That’s a dream I’ve always had. It’s one I’m going to continue chasing while I’m here and hope for the best.â€
