Bill Ryan/The Gazette Matt Buchholz pitches for the Frederick Flying Dogs against the Carroll Spartans in the Mid-Maryland Semi-Pro Baseball League final Sunday in Frederick.

Six years ago while playing baseball at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Mount Airy resident Matt Buchholz set out to find a summer league team to further hone his skills.

And after a brief search, the pitcher-infielder, who played scholastically at baseball-rich Old Mill High School in Millersville, eventually landed with the Frederick Flying Dogs, a semi-pro team that competes in the Mid-Maryland Semi-Pro Baseball League.

He has been an irreplaceable member of the Flying Dogs ever since, including this season, leading Frederick to MMSPBL final with his lively arm and potent bat.

Hes been pitching for us since his sophomore year in college at UMBC, Frederick player-manager Nick Collingham said. Hes got an ability to stay healthy all year round and he knows how to throw strikes. He pounds the strike zone. Hes one of the middle-of-the-lineup hitters [as well].

Its nice to have solid pitcher like him. Hes a guy you can rely on for a complete game every week. He always gives us a chance to win.

That certainly has been the case this season as Buchholz has compiled a perfect 9-0 record with an earned run aveage around 1.00 and 91 strikeouts in 62 innings. He has allowed nine runs on 32 hits with just 12 walks.

Offensively, Buchholz, who mans second base when not on the mound, has produced a .400-plus batting average with six doubles, two home runs, 27 runs batted in, 20 walks and six stolen bases in nearly 100 at-bats.

I work hard at it in the offseason, Buchholz said. I go to the cage with Ryan Morse, who is on the team. We work out during the offseason, trying to refine our swing and throwing a lot and work on a bunch of things. I always try to play very aggressively.

Buchholzs play this season mirrors his lengthy career with the Frederick Flying Dogs. He has produced a career batting average of .384 with 11 home runs, 47 doubles, eight triples, 111 RBI at the plate and a 58-9 mark on the mound with a 1.62 ERA and 664 strikeouts in 455 2/3 innings. He captured 10 wins in 2006 and 2010 and had nine-win seasons in 2008, 2009 and 2011.

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Gazette.Net: Pitcher finds home, success with Flying Dogs