Matt Ruppenthal is a rising sophomore that Vanderbilt has had their eye on since Ruppenthal’s freshman year in high school. The 6’4” Bloomfield Hills, Mich. native was spotted by the Commodores coaching staff while pitching at Brother Rice High School. His career earned him Perfect Game All-American status. 

“We found Matt in our winter camp during his ninth grade year. He has great size, strength and athleticism that will allow him to flourish as a pitcher on our staff at some point,” said Vanderbilt skipper Tim Corbin.

The righty hurler finished the season at Vanderbilt making eight appearances out of the bullpen, notching a 2.70 ERA and holding opponents to a .152 average. In 10 innings pitched he also averaged a strike out an inning, retiring 10 opponents by way of the K this season.

Before Vanderbilt, Ruppenthal was a three-year team captain at Brother Rice and earned All-State and All-League honors in four years of varsity. 

“He is similar to a 2013 Gull 2013 from Vanderbilt, Tyler Ferguson,” said Gulls General Manager Chuck Paiva. “I think he will have a chance to be special and he will be hungry to get some innings here in the summer.”