DURHAM, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League announced this afternoon that Peninsula Pilots reliever Ethan Blakeney was selected as the 2026 TrackMan CPL Reliever of the Year.

“It means a lot to be recognized as the CPL Relief Pitcher of the Year,” said Blakeney. “Being able to have my hard work recognized like this is something I’m really proud of. I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete in this league and for everyone who has supported me along the way!”

Blakeney became very reliable out of the bullpen for Pilots head coach Hank Morgan, taking the mound nine times during the regular season and finishing 1-0 with a low 1.45 ERA. In 18 2/3 innings, he gave up just three runs, all earned, on six hits. He walked two and struck out 26. Furthermore, the 6-0, 180-pound right-hander limited batters to a measly .098 average against him, while sporting a 0.43 WHIP, K/9 of 12.54 and BB/9 of 0.96. Overall, the rising senior at Norfolk State led the league in fewest hits allowed, BAA, WHIP; and finished among the Top 5 in the CPL in ERA, fewest runs (and earned runs) allowed, and fewest walks issued.

“Ethan is very deserving of this honor,” said Morgan. “In his second year with the Pilots, he helped anchor a pitching staff that finished first in the CPL in strikeouts (454), fewest hits allowed per nine innings (8.36) and most strikeouts per nine innings (10.21); as well as second in innings pitched (400 1/3), third in WHIP (1.56) and 4th in team ERA (.549). Not just a great representation of his hometown Pilots, the Bayside HS (Virginia Beach) alum and current ace of the Norfolk State Spartans staff, Ethan contributed mightily to a strong season-long pitching performance against the CPL’s East Division this summer. Congrats to Ethan and all this year’s postseason honorees. Thank you for an amazing season!”

Blakeney also got to be a part of something special and in the record books. On July 25, Peninsula hosted Wilmington in an East Division battle. Blakeney, along with four other pitchers for the Pilots combined to no-hit the Sharks and earn a 5-2 victory. He threw three innings of shutout baseball to earn the win and cement his name in the records of the league. It was the 27th overall no-hitter in league history.

“On July 25, Ethan twirled three hitless innings and was the winning pitcher, as he and four of his bullpen mates (Slack, Clewett, Ochsenfeld and Genao) combined to no-hit the eventual CPL Champion Wilmington Sharks at War Memorial,” continued Morgan. “I’m grateful to him and his coaches at NSU for trusting us to be a part of his journey; and feel truly blessed to have him as an integral part of our family and culture here in Pilots Nation.”

In addition to his play with the Pilots this summer, Blakeney participated in the HBCU Swingman Classic at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia as a part of the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game festivities. He threw a perfect inning of relief that night while striking out the side and helping lead his team to a win in that exhibition.

The league will be unveiling its All-CPL Teams for the 2026 season next week, and you can bet that Blakeney has earned a spot on the First Team All-CPL pitching staff. All player awards are selected after gathering feedback from head coaches and league officials, as well as seasonal statistical analysis.

“This was my second year in the CPL, and the league has played a huge part in my development as a pitcher,” Blakeney stated. “Over these two seasons, I’ve been able to compete against some very talented players, learn from different coaches and teammates, and gain a lot of experience that has helped me grow both on and off the field. I’m thankful for the relationships and memories I’ve made through the CPL, and I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned into the next chapter of my career.”

<strong>About Coastal Plain League:</strong>
The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s premier and most innovative summer collegiate baseball league. The CPL is currently comprised of 15 franchises playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. To date, the CPL has had over 1,800 alumni drafted, and 216 alums make their Major League debut. Most notable alumni include Justin Verlander, Ryan Zimmerman, Mark Reynolds, Kevin Youkilis, Chris Taylor, Jake Cave, Alec Bohm, Chas McCormick and NFL Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok @CPLBaseball.

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