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2009 (Sophomore): Took the mound 17 times including three starts in his second season, finishing with an overall record of 0-1 ... Tossed 24 innings with 24 strikeouts against 15 walks and 11 hit batsman, a number that ranked third on the team ... Earned the starting nod against nationally-ranked San Diego and in home games against High Point and Eastern Kentucky with WCU posting a 2-1 record in those contests ... Struck out a season-high four twice in wins over High Point and Tennessee Tech ... Allowed nine runs in his final three appearances of the season, a combined two and two-thirds innings that ballooned his ERA.
2008 (Freshman): Made nine appearances, including two starts ... Tossed 16.1 innings with 14 strikeouts and 11 walks ... Made his first career start on March 25 against East Tennessee State in Cullowhee, lasting 3.1 innings allowing seven runs - two earned - on six hits with three walks and three strikeouts ... In his second career start against UNC Asheville on April 2, worked a career-long 5.0 innings scattering six hits and three runs with three K's ... Despite receiving no-decisions in each of his starts, Western Carolina won both contests ... Missed most of the month of April due to illness - but returned to the bullpen, making two appearances down the stretch, striking out three in 1.2 innings of work ... Played for the Duluth Huskies of the Northwoods League during the summer following his rookie season.
High School: Four-time letter winner for St. Petersburg HS ... Led team to three Pinellas County Athletic Conference championships, and a number six state ranking as a sophomore ... Named a second team All-Conference performer his final prep season, as well as being a member of the Pinellas County Senior All Star Team ... During the summer, played for the Columbia Angels out of Houston, Texas.
Personal: Full name is Matthew Wayne Benedict ... Son of David and Lourdes Benedict ... Has two younger siblings, Dylan and Marisa.
