Parker Johnson
For the first time since high school, Anchorage’s Parker Johnson is a regular in the pitching rotation.
He’s the No. 3 starter for the Western Oregon University baseball team and proved his worth after winning a key game during the GNAC Tournament to get his team in the championship game. He needed only 80 pitches, retired 14 in a row at one point and didn’t allow a run after the second inning.
“It was my best outing of the year I’d say,” he said.
Johnson threw a 9-inning complete game, scattering seven hits and striking out three in a 7-2 win over Montana State Billings that propelled the Wolves into the GNAC Tournament title game.
Western Oregon rallied from a first-round loss to win three straight games in the loser-bracket to backdoor its way to the championship game, beating Northwest Nazarene 5-2 in the final.
“The GNAC Tournament was sick, dude,” Johnson said.
Western Oregon (34-18) advanced to the NCAA Division II Championships in Azusa, California, where the Wolves will take on No. 24 Cal state Monterey Bay in the opening round.
Johnson, as you would expect, is fired up to get back on the bump.
“Every time I get the ball I’m stoked and ready to compete,” he said. “This season has been a blast.”
Parker Johnson. Photo by Eddie Bruning/Western Oregon University
Johnson, of South High fame, is tied for the league lead with eight wins and one shutout, ranks third with two complete games and fifth with a 3.86 ERA.
He was named to the Second Team All-GNAC team – the first baseball player from Alaska to earn all-conference honors in a league that dates back two decades.
“It was cool to make the all GNAC team, but the accolade that really matters to me is the conference tournament we were able to win last weekend,” Johnson said. “The individual accolades are great and all but having a unit that accomplishes their goals together is what it’s all about.”
He transferred to Western Oregon from NAIA Indiana Wesleyan, where he posted a 3-3 record and 7.40 ERA in 26 appearances.
Johnson looks like a different pitcher because he is a different pitcher. He added a slider and splitter to his arsenal, and changed the grip on his changeup.
The biggest adjustment, however, has been between the ears.
His confidence is unshakeable.
“I figured there’s no point in doubting myself, and showing up here with confidence helped my teammates and coaches have confidence in me from the start,” Johnson said. “Having everyone’s trust here is a big deal to me and not something I take lightly, which I think only helps on the field.”