Bellarmine’s innings-eating righty Deaton Oak brings strike-throwing experience and battle-tested poise
Deaton Oak is a 2026 Bellarmine right-hander who gives the Knights a seasoned, innings-capable arm: he transferred in after stops at West Virginia and Austin Peay, where he logged limited but real work before arriving in the ASUN spotlight. In 2026, he’s been used heavily as a starter, highlighted by 12 starts and 52 2/3 innings with 24 strikeouts, showing staff trust even as the results have been uneven. His background includes strong Kentucky prep pedigree and a reputation as a projectable strike-thrower, so he fits as a durable, competitive rotation piece rather than a flashy swing-and-miss ace.
