For Sacramento State’s Chris Kinsey, the rigors of collegiate pitching extend farther than an opponent’s bat. The junior pitcher has also had to deal with dozens of Major League Baseball scouts attending his outings on the mound.

This attention could lead him to the 2003 MLB Draft, where the pitcher/first baseman is a hot prospect.

Heading into this past weekend’s play, Kinsey had an ERA of 3.30 and five wins on the season. He has also struck out 78 batters.

Whenever Kinsey is on the mound there are usually between five to 12 scouts at the game. On Monday, roughly 20 scouts were present, radar guns in hand, to watch Kinsey pitch against the University of Arizona. Scouts from the Astros, Padres, Phillies and Red Sox, among other teams, were in attendance.

“I don’t really feel any extra pressure when scouts are there,” said Kinsey, an Elk Grove native. “No matter what, I need to perform well. I’m pretty sure that I’m going to get drafted, but I really have no idea when or by who.”

Kinsey is also performing behind the plate. He has a batting average of .317, along with 39 RBI and six home runs on the season.

Scouts are also noticing junior college transfers Jesse Schmidt and Mikela Olsen.

Schmidt just set a new school record with a 24-game hitting streak (The previous record of 22 was held by Casey Simpson in 1992). Schmidt also has 15 home runs on the season and is batting .400 with 43 RBI.

Olsen, an outfielder, has also been very successful behind the plate in his first year of Div. I ball. The Oakhurst native has 14 home runs on the season. He is batting .400 and has 53 RBI.

“There is a little bit of added pressure when there are scouts at the games,” Olsen said. “Whenever Kinsey pitches there are lots of scouts around.”

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