Markevian “Tink” Hence had the ideal start he had envisioned on Friday night.
Hence, who was drafted as the No. 63 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft from Watson Chapel High School in Pine Bluff, is currently ranked as the St. Louis Cardinals’ top prospect and the 59th overall prospect by MLB Pipeline.
Taking the mound as the Springfield Cardinals’ opening night starter, Hence delivered an impressive performance, keeping the Arkansas Travelers hitless for 5 innings while allowing just one baserunner on a walk and striking out three batters at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock.
Reflecting on his outing, Hence expressed his gratitude, saying, “It was crazy… I came here last year, and I can say this year was way better. I was able to pitch and then a little bit more family was able to make it out.
My brothers [were] here. It was just a big blessing in my eyes and especially for my family to be able to see me on the field again.”
Despite knowing that his nerves would be heightened with friends and family in attendance for the season opener, Hence settled in early with two strikeouts in the first inning.
The Travelers did not manage to send more than the minimum to the plate until Hence’s final inning, when Hogan Windish drew a five-pitch walk.
Hence credited his offseason work for his performance, stating, “Spring went really well and the offseason went really well… I feel like I did real good with my prep work.
Then coming into it, I just put all the thoughts out and I felt good. Just went out and played my game.”
Having appeared in eight games with the Cardinals’ complex league team in 2021 before spending 2022 with Class A Palm Beach, Hence had an impressive showing with High A Peoria in 2022, boasting a 2.81 ERA in 11 starts and earning a spot in the Futures Game.
However, he struggled at the Class AA level with Springfield, posting a 5.47 ERA in 12 starts.
Now, at 21 years old, Hence has his sights set on making it to St. Louis, aiming to build on performances like Friday’s to propel him forward.
He emphasized his focus on improvement, particularly in maintaining composure, enhancing command with all his pitches, and increasing his workload, as he looks forward to being unleashed in his first full professional season.
