Two Wildcats sign with D-I programs

Two Western Nevada College baseball players signed letters of intent to play for Division I programs next year.

Sophomore infielder Mike Umscheid committed to Kansas State University, and sophomore right-handed pitcher Brandon Show signed with the University of San Diego on Thursday.

"It's definitely a dream come true," Umscheid said.

"It takes a lot of stress off," Show agreed. "I don't have to worry about where I'm going next year, ... just focus on playing now."

The 6-foot-3 Umscheid started 47 games for the Wildcats last year, playing corner infield and outfield spots. He was fourth on the club in hitting at .331, fourth in stolen bases with eight, fourth in putouts with 130 and first with four triples.

"He's a complete player who really takes pride in his work habits," Wildcats coach DJ Whittemore said. "He's a great student, very coachable and a great leader. He's a Wildcat to the core."

Show worked out of the Wildcats' bullpen last year but will likely move into the starting rotation in the spring. He figures to have a more prominent pitching role this season. As a freshman, he tossed 13 1/3 innings and struck out 14. Show's role was limited due a loaded pitching staff that included fifth-round draft choice Dylan Baker, as well as Andrew Woeck, Brandon Jackson, Anthony Consiglio and Tyler Spencer, a quartet that landed in Division I programs.

"Brandon has been patient, worked very hard and done everything we've asked," Whittemore said. "He went out this summer and put a great effort into getting better, and got tremendous results."

Show increased the velocity on his fastball 2 to 4 mph to 94 mph and raised his slider to 82 mph.

"He has the makings of a dominant Scenic West Conference pitcher," Whittemore said.

The pair enhances WNC's growing baseball alumni list. Since the Wildcats program launched in 2006, 53 players have moved on to Division I programs.