Southeast Missouri State baseball team adds pitching depth

Southeast Missouri State baseball coach Mark Hogan landed five players during the NCAA's early signing period that concluded last week.

Three are high school seniors and two are sophomores at John A. Logan Community College in Carterville, Ill.

Alex Winkelman, a left-handed pitcher from Crystal City (Mo.) High School, is a three-year starter who was first-team all-state and the Jefferson County Conference player of the year in 2011.

Winkelman went 7-2 with a 1.30 ERA as a junior. He struck out 111 and walked 12 over 56 innings. He helped lead Crystal City to the Class 2 state title as a sophomore.

"He really competes on the mound. He will be a great addition to our pitching staff," Hogan said in a release.

Tyler Boxwell, a catcher from Verrado High School in Litchfield Park, Ariz., is a three-year starter and two-time all-region performer who played on a USSSA national championship team.

"Tyler is a left-handed contact hitter that is developing strength and is also an excellent defender," Hogan said.

Branden Boggetto, a shortstop from Joliet, Ill., led Providence Catholic High School to a second-place state finish last year.

"Branden is a slick fielding shortstop who handles the bat very well and comes from a winning program," Hogan said.

Tyler Mikrut, an outfielder, batted .280 with eight home runs and a .517 slugging percentage for a regional championship team at Logan last year.

Mikrut hit .391 with 10 home runs as a senior at Edwardsville (Ill.) High School.

"Tyler will provide solid defense for us and add some needed power next year," Hogan said.

Luke Sharrow, a pitcher at Logan, had Tommy John surgery 15 months ago but competed in the fall. The native of Machesney Park, Ill., was a four-year starter at Boylan Catholic High School.

"Luke will come in and compete for a starting spot in our rotation. His hard slider and fastball really makes him effective," Hogan said.