Owen Austin brings late-inning value and left-handed punch to WCU’s bullpen
In the 2026 season, Austin emerged as a trusted left-handed reliever for Western Carolina, earning preseason All-Southern Conference recognition and finishing with a team-best four saves, a 3-0 record, 26 strikeouts, and a 5.54 ERA over 26 innings. He stands out for attacking lefties especially well and for showing real leverage value in big spots, including key saves and wins against quality opponents. If you need a southpaw who can handle pressure and miss bats, he’s a very usable fit.