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Rodriguez Experiences Oilmen as Player, Intern

05/26/2018 12:11 PM -

Whiting, Ind. – May 26, 2018 – After a referral from Tusculum teammate Nate Montgomery, junior right-handed pitcher Pedro Rodriguez decided to follow Montgomery’s lead regarding his summer plans.

Both Rodriguez and Montgomery, a catcher at Tusculum, are playing for the Northwest Indiana Oilmen this summer while also completing their summer internship with the team.

“I heard about the opportunity through my teammate Nate, and it seemed like a good league,” Rodriguez said. “I’m able to do my internship, which is a big plus. This seems like a good league for development to move my career ahead.”

Rodriguez threw 30 1/3 innings for the Pioneers, members of the NCAA Division-II South Atlantic Conference. He went 3-2, issuing 20 walks and racking up 30 strikeouts while nailing down four saves and compiling a 4.45 ERA.

“My college baseball experience has gone well,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed it a lot. It’s been a tough road to travel, but I’ve enjoyed it and embraced it. I’m taking every stop on my journey as a way to continue to learn and get better. I’m enjoying the experience.”

Rodriguez joined Tusculum, which is located in Greeneville, Tenn., after starting his career with two seasons at Seminole State College, a junior college in Sanford, Fla. During his prep days, Rodriguez won two letters in baseball and one in cross country at Osceola High School. His team reached the state semifinal in 2014, his junior season.

“It was a lot of pressure and a big stage,” he said. “I hadn’t played on that level yet. We had done well in the season, but getting to that level was something different. I embraced the pressure of that situation.”

The summer will allow Rodriguez, a sport management major, to work with Montgomery both in their internship and as a battery on the diamond.

“He was my catcher at school, so we connected along the way,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve become friends. He’s caught many good games for me. He’s a cool person to be around. He knows what he wants to do and he’s going on the right path. He’s been a good guy and teammate to be with and hang out with. He’s a strong leader on the field as well.”

In his spare time, Rodriguez enjoys playing sports recreationally and has a passion for art.