NIACC's Loats commits to UNC-Greensboro
MASON CITY – NIACC sophomore pitcher Dan Loats has committed to play baseball at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.
UNC-Greensboro was 23-27 overall in 2015 and 12-12 in the Southern Conference. Former NIACC standout Hunter King was a senior on last year's squad.
"We are very excited for Dan," NIACC coach Travis Hergert said. "He established himself last season as a top end arm in our conference.
"UNC-Greensboro sees him as an impact guy for them next season (2017). Dan deserves this opportunity because he has earned it. No one works as hard as Dan. He is into every aspect of his development and our team success."
Loats was 4-5 as a freshman last season for the Trojans with 56 strikeouts, 26 walks and a 3.97 earned run average in 65 2/3 innings pitched.
The 56 strikeouts by Loats is tied for eighth on NIACC's single-season list and the 65 2/3 innings pitched ranks fifth on the school's single-season list.
Loats struck out a career-high nine batters and gained the win in the Trojans' elimination game win against Southeastern in the NJCAA Region XI tournament. He also gained the win against Madison College at the NJCAA Division II World Series.
Loats' 2015 season highs
Strikeouts - 9 vs. Southeastern (NJCAA Region XI tournament) (5-9-15)
Walks – 4 vs. Southeastern (NJCAA Region XI tournament) (5-9-15)
Loats' 2015 numbers
Record - 4-5
Innings pitched - 65 2/3
Complete games - 3
Strikeouts - 56
Walks - 26
