What’s better than one Karkenny on The Master’s College baseball team?  How about two, as in Steven and Jason Karkenny. The former is the top hitter and run producer on 2013 Mustang baseball team while the latter has signed his letter of intent to join his older brother at TMC.

Like his older brother, Jason is an exceptional baseball player with outstanding skills.  Unlike Steven, who excels in the field and at the plate, Jason is carving out his own niche on the mound where he has helped Chatsworth High School, one of the nation’s elite prep programs, continue its Southern California dominance.

During his first year at the varsity level in 2012, the junior righthander notched a sparkling 11-1 record while posting a miniscule 1.65 ERA and striking out 58 batters in 72 innings of work.  The staff leader in those categories, Karkenny led the Chancellors to a 25-5 record and an appearance in the CIF Los Angeles City Section championship game at Dodger Stadium where he earned the start and gave up just one earned run over seven innings before leaving with a no-decision.

That resume led to him being voted the Chatsworth HS Most Outstanding Pitcher and the West Valley League Pitcher of the Year.  In addition, he was named first-team all-league, first-team All-CIF Los Angeles City Section, first-team All-Area by the Daily News, and second-team All-State Underclassmen by Cal-Hi Sports.

Based on early results in his senior year, he may repeat several of those honors by the end of the season.  So far, he has made five starts, going 4-1 with three complete games, has saved two others, owns a 1.18 ERA, and has whiffed 28 batters in over 35 innings of work.

Commenting on why he chose The Master’s College, the younger Karkenny said, “I chose The Master’s College because it’s a perfect place for me to grow in my academic pursuits, spiritual growth, and athletic aspirations, which are all centered on a relationship with Jesus Christ.  I look forward to maturing in all three of these areas of my life in an environment that pushes you to grow in wisdom and truth every day.”

Moving to what his goals are on the field of play, Karkenny stated he wants “to grow athletically and spiritually under Coach (Monte) Brooks and his staff, who are such godly men and to come in and be a part of the rich tradition of The Master’s College baseball program.  I look forward, with anticipation, to being able to compete with godly excellence and be a part of such a talented and godly group of players at TMC.

Mustang coach Monte Brooks is “excited and thrilled to have Jason sign and join his brother in a unique setting next year.  Jason plays for a competitive and highly successful high school program where he has gained valuable experience and maturity by pitching well in big games.”