Catching up with: Matt Smith

Thursday, April 6, 2000 | 7:41 a.m.

MATT SMITH

High School: Bishop Gorman ('97)

Where is he now: Oklahoma State University

Class: Junior

Sport: Baseball

Currently: Smith, the Cowboys' left-handed ace, is 4-4 this season with a 3.66 ERA in nine starts. In 51.2 innings this spring, the one-time Gael has struck out 64 batters, surrendering 54 hits and 24 walks. On Monday, Smith was named Big 12 Pitcher of the Week after winning a pair of games against Arkansas and Cal-State Northridge. In the latter, he fanned 14 batters in seven innings -- tying his career high for strikeouts in a game. It marked the third time Smith has been named conference pitcher of the week in his college career.

Looking back: The 6-4 Smith was a first-team all-conference selection as a senior, helping the Gaels to the Sunset Division title. He finished his stellar prep career with a 21-3 overall record and batted .393 with five home runs and 30 RBIs as a first baseman and designated hitter. He was named MVP of the American Legion state tournament, helping Gorman to an appearance in the Region 8 playoffs. Smith was selected in the 42nd round by the Chicago White Sox in the 1997 draft.