21 Strikeouts, One Statement: Tyler Brachbill Dominates, Delivers, and Draws Eyes

By Jessi Kennedy, Digital Marketing Manager, The Players League

LEXINGTON, NC — Some nights, the box score doesn’t just tell the story—it is the story. Twenty-one strikeouts. One hundred one pitches. Seventy-nine of them for strikes. But what Tyler Brachbill did on the mound for the Lexington Flying Pigs wasn’t just dominant by the numbers. It was something else entirely.

“Simple,” said his coach. “Dominate. I’ve coached a lot of games, but I’ve never seen anything like that. He struck out 11 straight at one point. Eleven. That’s not normal at this level.”

For Brachbill, the night started to feel different early on.

“Somewhere around the ninth strikeout, it clicked. I felt like everything was working. Slider, fastball—everything just had that extra bite,” he said.

And he wasn’t imagining it. His slider was sharper than usual, topping out at 85 mph, a noticeable jump. His fastball sizzled too, but what stood out most was how calm he stayed—even as the Ks piled up.

“Honestly, the pressure kind of faded the deeper I got into it,” he said. “Each one gave me more belief in what I was doing. I tried to keep it light with the guys between innings. Laugh a little. Nothing tight.”

That mix of composure and raw stuff is what his coach believes separates him from most young arms.

“He’s not just throwing. He’s pitching. That’s the difference. He controls pace, location, emotion—everything. And he makes it look easy, which it’s not.”

Still, as impressive as the strikeouts were, they aren’t the only thing that left an impression.

Etched into the dirt behind the mound was a small cross.

“I do it every inning,” Brachbill said. “It’s just my reminder that God’s with me no matter what. But maybe someone else sees it too, you know? A fan. A player. Maybe it speaks to them.”

That gesture, small as it may seem, ties into the mindset that drives everything he does.

“I want ESPN to see that cross,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing I did all night.”

From the Mound to the Portal

The 6’3” right-hander is currently navigating the NCAA transfer portal, searching for a program that will push him—and prepare him—for what’s next. After a solid spring, his summer with the Flying Pigs has been nothing short of a breakout.

“He’s found a rhythm,” his coach said. “He’s not overthinking anymore. He’s relaxed, confident. But he’s still hungry. Off the field, he’s one of the kindest guys you’ll meet. On the mound? Different animal.”

Brachbill shares that fire.

“I’m just looking for the right fit. Somewhere that’ll develop me and challenge me,” he said. “Whatever it takes to win, I’m doing it.”

There’s no fluff in the way he talks. No need for it. His performances speak loud enough.

Built for This

People close to Brachbill aren’t surprised by the strikeout numbers. He’s always had a big arm. That part was never in doubt. But the refinement? That’s been years in the making—often under the watchful eye of one man.

“My grandpa taught me most of what I know about pitching,” he said. “He’s the reason I fell in love with it. I’ve always had the strikeout stuff, but learning the new slider this year really changed things.”

Now he’s focused on sharpening the mental side.

“I can be tough on myself. Way too tough, honestly. So this summer, it’s about having fun again. Letting go of the results. Just trusting it’s in God’s hands either way.”

What’s Next?

Ask his coach where Brachbill could be a year from now, and the answer comes fast.

“He’s got pro potential. Easy. He just needs the right school to give him that shot. After that? The sky’s wide open.”

For now, Brachbill is keeping things simple. Compete. Get better. Stay grounded.

“The dream’s always been the same,” he said. “Make it to the show. Be that guy. And keep doing what I love.