MEMPHIS — A former Tift County Blue Devil is now one step away from the Major Leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals. Connor Thomas was promoted to Class AAA Memphis on May 25, moving up from Class AA Springfield (Mo.).

Thomas, who was drafted by the Cardinals out of Georgia Tech in 2019, won his first start with Memphis on May 29. He pitched five innings in an 8-3 victory over the Gwinnett Stripers. Thomas walked five in his first AAA start, but held Gwinnett to two hits and surrendered just two earned runs. He struck out four.

As a Blue Devil, Thomas was known for his pinpoint control. He posted a 0.67 ERA as a junior, striking out 95 while walking eight.