In 2007: In his first year above the rookie level, Wilkie became the closer for Hagerstown and led the team with 47 appearances and 11 saves. He was third on the team in strikeouts, fanning 70 batters in only 80 innings of work. To go along with his 11 saves, he posted a 3-6 record with a 3.49 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. During the campaign, Baseball America named Wilkie as having the “best change-up” in the entire South Atlantic League.
Career Highlights: In 2006, Wilkie signed a free agent contract with the Washington Nationals on June 14, 2006. He struck out over a batter per inning for the GCL Nationals while posting a 2-2 record with 2 saves and a 4.94 ERA.
Wilkie finished a stellar campaign and career at George Washington University. In Wilkie's last outing for GW, he tossed a complete game three-hitter. It marked his 25th career victory, which moved him into 3rd all-time at GW, and his five strikeouts propelled him into 2nd on GW's all-time strikeout list. He posted a 5-5 record with a 2.67 ERA and three complete games in 14 appearances in 2006. He struck out a team-high 97 batters in 97.2 innings of work.
In Wilkie’s junior season at GW, he served as one of two aces in the starting rotation. He finished 8th in the conference with a 3.08 ERA and led the conference with seven pick-offs. He was also tied for 5th in the conference in wins with 8, and led the team and stood sixth in the conference in innings pitched (87.2). His 76 strikeouts placed him 8th in the conference. In 2004, Wilkie led the entire Atlantic 10-Conference with a 2.77 ERA. |
