NEWPORT, R.I. – There are a number of college teammates playing together for the Gulls this summer and one of those duos is Brody Szako and Adam Walker of Austin Peay. Szako and Walker have endured unique journeys throughout their collegiate careers and that has ultimately led to them having a successful season with the Governors.

Brody Szako is currently a senior but this is his first season at Auistin Peay. The Bellville, Texas native began his collegiate career at New Mexico Junior College but did not play. After that, Szako made the move to Fort Scott Community College in Kansas, where he spent the last two years. He played regularly at Fort Scott in both seasons and batted an incredible .424 with 27 home runs and 79 RBI last season. While Szako is primarily an infielder, he did make six appearances on the mound last year for Fort Scott, where he made two starts and also recorded a save. His impressive efforts resulted in multiple accolades including being named a Third Team NJCAA Division I All-American.

Now at Austin Peay, Szako has had no problem making the jump to the Division I level. The infielder has played consistently, often getting placed near the top of the order and playing third base. He has appeared in 43 games and has delivered throughout the season at the plate. His 15 home runs are tied third most on the team. Szako is batting .341 and has also racked up 10 doubles and a triple in what’s been an efficient season with the Governors.

Szako’s teammate at Austin Peay who will be joining him in Newport this summer is Adam Walker. Walker is a senior as well but this spring is also his first season with the Governors. Similar to Szako, he has had quite the collegiate journey over the last several years. The Woodland, California native started in his home state at UC Davis but didn’t play in 2021. After that, Walker transferred to Dodge City Community College in Kansas. The right handed pitcher appeared in 14 games for Dodge City and started seven of those. He enjoyed a successful season in which he struck out 72 batters in 41 ⅔ innings. Following that stint in 2022, Walker made the jump to Oklahoma where he made five appearances last year. 

Then, he made the move to Austin Peay this season where he has been an important arm throughout the spring. So far this season, the righty has made 17 appearances with two of those being starts. Primarily coming out of the bullpen, Walker is 3-1 this season and has also recorded a save. He is up to 28 strikeouts in 23.2 innings pitched as well.

The pair of Austin Peay teammates will bring experience to the Gulls that could go a long way in Newport’s attempt to defend last year’s title. Stay tuned for more Solar Signings as A1 Roofing continues to power the Gulls throughout the off-season and into the summer.