Western Carolina Baseball opened up the 2013 season with an 8-5 victory over the Washington State Cougars. (Photos courtesy of Mark Haskett, WCU Public Relations)
2012 (Freshman): Saw limited action as a true freshman, coming off of off-season shoulder surgery ... Only played in four games including two starts, making his collegiate debut against eventual Big Ten champion, Purdue (February 26) at the Keith LeClair Classic as the designated hitter ... Finished 2-for-9 (.222) at the plate ... Secured his first collegiate base hit at home against Iona (March 3) with a pinch hit RBI single down the left field line in the sixth inning ... Made his first-ever start in the field in the final game of the Jacksonville, Fla., trip, starting at third base against Fairfield (March 18); Summer League: Played for the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters in the Northwoods League ... Finished second on the team with a .306 batting average (57-of-186) including 18 extra base hits with 11 doubles, one triple and six home runs ... Scored 24 runs ... Stole nine bases in 14 attempts.
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-time, first-team All-County selection, hitting .510 for his prep career ... Amassed 49 career doubles, 16 triples and 23 home runs during high school, driving in 112 runs in three seasons ... Earned All-State plaudits both as a junior and a senior, also picking up Gatorade Player of the Year honors in the latter.
Personal: Full name is Austin Michael Neary ... Is the son of Mike and Lisa Neary ... He was born in Rock Hill, S.C. ... Has a younger brother, Doug ... Both of his parents are former ACC Track & Field Champions at Clemson - his mother was all-conference in the discus and javelin, while his father excelled in the hammer and weight throws.
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Career Game Highs: At Bats: 4, vs. Fairfield (3/18/12) Hits: 1, twice (MR: vs. Fairfield, 3/18/12) Runs: 1, IONA (3/3/12) RBI: 1, IONA (3/3/12) Hitting Streak: 2 games
