MOBILE, Ala. – South Alabama baseball right-handed pitcher Matt Boswell signed a professional contract with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday.

Boswell ended the regular season as the Sun Belt Conference leader in strikeouts, and ranked tied for fourth in the league in wins, tied for seventh in walks allowed and 10th in opponent batting average. He ended the year ranked second in the conference in strikeouts (92) and complete games (1), tied for fifth in wins (6) and games started (15), and seventh in innings pitched (84) and opponent batting average (.245). In conference games this season, Boswell ranked tied for second in strikeouts (57). He posted a 6-5 record with a 4.82 ERA for the 2022 season, along with one shutout. 

"It's a blur right now," Boswell said. "I can't count on five hands how many coaches, friends and family members have offered guidance to get me to this point. There have been many crossroads over the course of college where coaches have taken a chance on me when there wasn't a sure chance it would work out. My family has always been my backbone, and the coaches who have stuck their necks out for me have always been my map. Words can't describe for anyone to ever understand just how indebted and appreciative I feel toward the people who have had my back and saw something in me that on the bad days I never saw in myself."

Boswell will travel Peoria, Ariz., on Sunday to report to the Padres organization and begin his professional career.

"It really hasn't set in to be honest; it feels surreal," he said. "I know when I get off the plane in Arizona that it's going to hit me pretty hard. The journey to this point has been incredible, and I am just thankful, humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue my baseball career."

Boswell's signing with the Padres marks the 10th consecutive season a Jaguar pitcher has been drafted or signed a professional contract under head coach Mark Calvi. 

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