Former UCF OF Williamson Clubs First Professional Home Run

Following a strong overall season from UCF baseball, many Knights exacted their dreams of making it to the next level.

Standout outfielder Andrew Williamson, who went No. 68 overall to the St. Louis Cardinals, has already begun to make noise in the minors.

On Friday night, UCF's highest pick since 2004 hit his first professional home run of his career, sending a leadoff bomb to left center.

After working a 2-1 count, Williamson jumped all over a high and outside fast ball, pushing it the other way.

This is a good sign for Williamson, who had struggled early in his time with the Peoria Chiefs, batting just 0.65 entering last night's game.

But, this slump is only temporary, as Williamson was UCF's most dynamic hitter this past season.

The Second Team All-Big 12 recipient led the team with 58 runs scored, 16 home runs, 4 triples, 33 extra-base hits, 41 walks, .442 on-base percentage, .645 slugging and a 1.087 OPS, according to UCF Athletics.

Williamson started all 55 games for UCF this past season, jumping onto MLB teams' radars with his smooth lefty swing at the plate.

In the Auburn Regional, Williamson burst into the tournament, hitting out three home runs in the Knights' first matchup against NC State.

Williamson's six runs batted in was a career-best mark, while his fourth home run added later in the regional marked a program-best.

Prior to the draft, Williamson was ranked as the No. 48 prospect, with MLB scouts providing this snapshot about the Knights standout.

"Williamson is a strong and compact left-handed hitter who gives off some Alek Thomas or Nate McLouth type vibes," the MLB website reads... "He has a quick swing with plenty of bat speed, and he’s shown he can get to his solid raw pop in games, particularly to his pull side."

Prior to being moved up with the Chiefs, Williamson played a brief stint in the FCL Cardinals Instructional League.

In a game against the New York Mets, Williamson sent two balls over the fence, smashing two homers.

While current Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker has had a breakout season, the roster does lack pop in the outfield, as Nathan Church is more of a defensive player.

Williamson is also a respected threat on the bases, as he went 8-for-13 on stolen base attempts.

If Williamson's bat can continue to develop, he could be called up sooner rather than later as the Cardinals look to piece together their best lineup of young talent going forward.