WCU Product Joe Gunkel One Step Away From Big Leagues

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Joe Gunkel came up huge in probably the biggest game in West Chester University baseball history.

Back in June of 2012, Gunkel pitched a complete game shutout against Delta State to give the Golden Rams the Division II National Championship. Gunkel was actually named the most outstanding player in that tournament.

The success didn't stop there. In 2013 the right-hander was drafted in the 18th round by Boston and over the last three years, he has steadily climbed the minor league ladder, moving over to the Baltimore organization after a 2015 trade.

Right now, Gunkel is pitching in the rotation for Baltimore's Triple-A squad, the Norfolk Tides.

Overall this season, the 24-year-old Gunkel has gone 6-9 for the Tides in 18 starts with a solid 3.87 ERA. He has been especially good as of late, going 1-0 in his last two starts, allowing just one run in 13 1/3 innings of work with 10 strikeouts and no walks.

"Been getting ahead of hitters really," Gunkel tells KYW Newsradio about his success. "That's what I've had success with all year. Kind of getting to 0-2, 1-2 counts and being able to put hitters away. Keeping the ball down and getting some ground balls."

Listen to the entire interview with WCU product Joe Gunkel:

Gunkel throws a four-seam and two-seam fastball to go along with a slider and a splitter. He talks about his development as a pitcher since turning pro.

"I think a lot has gone into the mental side," Gunkel says. "In years past, maybe when things haven't gone my way, the game would speed up on me. But I've worked really hard on keeping my composure out there and really not letting the difficulties in the game get to me and kind of just staying with the flow and keep on attacking hitters."

Gunkel has a fine career ERA as a pro of 3.18. In 393 2/3 innings during that time, he has struck out 326 batters and walked just 72. Of course, being at Triple-A means the next promotion for Gunkel would put him in the Major Leagues.

"It's hard not to think about, because you're so close," Gunkel says. "They always tell you you're one phone call away. But at this point, at the end of the year, I'm just trying to focus on the next start coming up, trying to stay on a good roll and kind of finish the season on a high note."

Gunkel is slated to make his next start for Norfolk on Sunday on the road against Charlotte.