Higher level

When you lead the team in innings pitched during a season, rest and more rest is probably what the doctor would order.
However, current Louisiana College hurler Phillip Vidrine did not rest on his backside in the month of June, as he took to the mound for the Acadiana Cane Cutters, a Texas Collegiate League team based out of Youngsville.
For Vidrine, getting the opportunity to play with the Cane Cutters is an opportunity that he just could not pass up.
“Having the chance to play with the Cane Cutters was a great experience,” stated Vidrine. “When you play in this league, you are playing against some of the best college players around. Getting to pitch for them allowed me to learn how to get the better hitters out. I feel that I have gained more confidence in myself heading into my senior season.”
Vidrine, the former two-time All-State performer at Sacred Heart was a workhorse for Louisiana College this season. This past year, his junior campaign, Vidrine was the do-it-all man for the Wildcats on the pitching staff, leading the team in innings pitched.
Vidrine was also the go-to guy out of the pen, tying for the most appearances in relief to go along with his team high 13 total trips to the mound. He had a 3.00 ERA this year with a 1-1 overall record in 42.0 innings of work, while also picking up four saves this year.
Vidrine held opponents to a .262 batting average and was second on the team in strikeouts with 36. In his four saves this year for the Wildcats, Vidrine allowed just two runs on seven hits with three strikeouts.
For his outstanding work for Louisiana College this season, Vidrine was named as an honorable mention selection on the American Southwest All-Conference team.
“It felt good to be able to prove to the coaches that I can be the guy they can count on,” said Vidrine. “My first appearance this season, I came in the game with bases loaded and no one out in a three-run game, and I was able to work out of it.”
“As a freshman two years ago, I was not really ready to pitch on this level,” he continued. “Last year I saw some limited action. But, to do what I did this year was unimaginable. I am excited to get back and get started again. It will be bittersweet being a senior. I am ready for a new chapter in my life, but I will be leaving some life long friends.”
According to Vidrine the biggest difference on the bump for him this past season was the addition of another pitch in his arsenal.
“I had been working on a cutter in the past, but this fall I was able to perfect it,” stated Vidrine. “To me it was my best pitch all year. It got me a lot more strikeouts. I used it instead of trying to get guys out with my fastball on the outside corner. It was just a matter of getting the right grip on it.”
After his best year so far as a Wildcat, Vidrine got the word that the Cane Cutters were short on pitching and needed some help. So, he packed up and headed south in hopes of getting more time on the mound.