If you ask anyone who followed the Georgia Southwestern State Hurricanes this past season who the most pleasant surprise was, chances are you’ll hear the name Gray Carden. It seems as if the junior appeared out of nowhere in becoming one of the Peach Belt Conference’s best relief pitchers in his first full season of extensive action. And now, he’s bringing his act to North Adams along with fellow Hurricane teammate and pitcher Trent Franzago. 

In 2011, Carden finished 4-2 and led all Hurricane hurlers in appearances (25) and opponents’ batting average against (.194), including a remarkably low .131 mark posted by righties. Carden also tied fellow North Adams-bound teammate Trent Franzago with a team-high 59 strikeouts in just 38.2 innings of relief while finishing second on the staff with a 2.56 ERA. He also established himself as a reliable 9th inning presence by leading the team with four saves, and kept runners off base with just twelve walks and 28 hits allowed all season. SteepleCats fans will also be glad to know Carden locked down in jams as opposing batters hit just .203 with men on base.