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Former reliever talks Bradley career, MLB life

In 2009, Rob Scahill saw his dream come true. In the eighth round of the 2009 First Year Major League Baseball Player Draft, the Colorado Rockies selected the 6-foot 2-inch right-handed pitcher from Bradley University.

Scahill, a Lombard native, was with the Rockies for three seasons before being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates this past off-season. He’s eagerly waiting what’s next in store.

“Being traded was kind of like closing a door with the Rockies,” Scahill said. “I’m excited for the new opportunity that has presented itself.”

Scahill pitched for three years at Bradley and finished with an ERA of 4.70. After missing his sophomore year due to injury, he was a lights-out pitcher for the Braves his junior year. He fanned 79 hitters over 83.2 innings while opposing teams only hit .244.

His final year was hampered by an oblique injury, yet his production didn’t halt. In four starts at home, Scahill was 3-0 with a miniscule 0.86 ERA. Hitters managed just a .246 average off Scahill in 2009.

“I thought Bradley prepared me well for professional baseball,” Scahill said. “I got to play good D1 competition for three years, and it prepared me to deal with the day-to-day business in baseball.”

Scahill described his time at Bradley as “a growing experience.” He said his Bradley experience is one that he enjoyed, but he has grown fond of the professional lifestyle.

The professional lifestyle began in Colorado, when he was called up to the Rockies in the middle of the 2012 season. In his two full seasons since, Scahill has worked out of the bullpen as a middle-reliever. He racked up 57 innings in 41 games with the Rockies, striking out 35 with an ERA of 4.42.

This season will be much different for Scahill. As opposed to being on a cellar-dwelling team, the Pirates are a National League Central Division contender. The former Bradley standout is now just trying to find a role with the Bucs.

“My goal is to make the opening day roster and help them win a World Series,” Scahill said. “I think we’re going to have a great team and a great core of guys play hard and play the game the right way.”

The Pirates have a talented roster, especially on the pitching staff. Scahill will get the opportunity in the spring to pick up tips from veterans A.J. Burnett and Francisco Liriano.

“I haven’t had that much interaction with A.J., but when I get the opportunity I want to pick his brain. ” Scahill said. “He’s a top strikeout guy in the league every year. I’m looking forward to picking his brain.”

Scahill noted that the constant travel is tough for him because he rarely gets to see his family during the season. However, it was special for his family to see him earn his second career win in Chicago.

“It was nice to have all my family and friends there,” Scahill said. “There were about 50 people at the game; everyone was able to make it. It was awesome; it was something I dreamed about when I was younger.”

His dream has become a reality, and now, Scahill is just trying to live in the moment as a professional baseball player.

“I’ve loved getting to know everybody, being around them on a day-to-day basis and just competing and having a good time,” Scahill said.

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