(7 GS, 43.2 IP, 58 K, 3.92 ERA, 1.4 BB/9, 12 K/9)
The workhorse of UNC Charlotte, Blake Gillespie, has been solid for the 49ers, working deep into games this season. Standing at 6’2” and 205 pounds Gillespie was previously at Georgia working primarily out of the bullpen. This season was Gillespie’s first opportunity to start full-time, and the pitch mix works well as he features a mid-90s fastball with a solid 11-5 breaking curveball coming in at 78-80 mph, and the change-up has been solid at 87 mph with good tumble and fade.
📝📈UNC Charlotte RHP Blake Gillespie has been a workhorse this season. 7 GS with 58 Ks over 43.2 IP with a 1.4 BB/9 and a 3.92 ERA. 3 games this season with 11 or more Ks over 8 or more IP including the second no hitter in UNCC history. @Fantrax @BlakeGillespi13 @CharlotteBSB https://t.co/MvrDpb4gYG
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) April 3, 2025
Over the summer, Gillespie went to the Appalachian League to get more work in before heading to UNC Charlotte and the results were fantastic. Across five starts, Gillespie pitched 23.2 innings, striking out 26 batters, good for a 9.9 K/9, while walking just two batters and finishing with a 0.76 ERA. On 3/7 Gillespie was just the second 49er pitcher to throw a no-hitter in school history as he dominated James Madison, striking out 11 batters over his nine innings pitched with just one walk. This was not a one-off, as he has been solid against UTSA, striking out 13 batters over eight innings pitched, allowing two earned runs on five hits with no walks.
Finally, against Memphis, we saw Gillespie spin eight innings, striking out 11 batters with five hits, one run, and no walks. The profile looks like a solid SP four of five with potential as he gets more development as a starter, but overall, the mileage on the arm is not a concern at all.