Curry Sutherland gaining experience before heading to Missouri State

If you’ve seen Curry Sutherland play, you wouldn’t know he just graduated high school in May.

The infielder/pitcher has been a steady piece for the Cape Catfish this summer and has had a hand in the 27-10 season for the Catfish thus far.

Sutherland, a Missouri State commit and a Rogersville, Missouri native, said the summer is going to be key for his development heading into his freshman campaign.

“The big reason the Missouri State coaches wanted me to come and play here is for the chance to make the adjustment to the next level,” Sutherland said. “I think it’s going to be very valuable for me going in already having seen collegiate pitching.”

Sutherland said he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Catfish so far.

He has posted a .232 batting average with a .377 on-base percentage in 26 games played in the field.

On the mound, Sutherland has 3.78 ERA in 16.2 innings of work with 25 strikeouts.

“It’s been great,” Sutherland said. “I’ve been having a great time and I’ve met a lot of great people. The older guys have definitely helped me make the adjustment from high school to collegiate pitching.”

Sutherland said mentally it takes a lot of focus to balance playing the field, hitting and pitching.

“At about one or two every day that’s when I have to shift my focus depending on if I’m a hitter or a pitcher that night,” Sutherland said. “It’s one of those things where it’s really hard to describe but you just have to get into the right mindset when you see the lineup.”

Not only does this opportunity with the Catfish allow Sutherland to get experience playing at the next level, he is also doing it with his Missouri State teammate and Jackson High School standout, Caden Bogenpohl.

“Caden and I got to play summer ball together last year,” Sutherland said. “It’s good to come down here and know somebody and get to know (Caden) even better. It’s been good. We have a good relationship.”

Both Sutherland and Bogenpohl are heading into a Missouri State program that just saw three players get drafted in the 2023 MLB Draft.

“The situation is great,” Sutherland said. “They’ve always been able to send good talent to the MLB but to know they’re still doing it is great. There’s a lot of talent in that program right now and I’m hoping that Caden and I can go there and help build a winner.”

One staple of Catfish home games is following the game, the fans come on the field and the players sign autographs.

“I really didn’t know what to expect when I came down here,” Sutherland said. “I had been told that we have a good fan base but it’s really alive here. It’s very enjoyable to play in front of them every night.”

Sutherland and the Catfish are back in action at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 14, when they host the Thrillville Thrillbillies in a doubleheader at Capaha Field. Game two of the doubleheader is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.