Robert Lewis-Walker

From BR Bullpen

Robert John Patrick Lewis-Walker

  • Bats Right, Throws Right
  • Height 6' 3", Weight 195 lb.

BR minors page

Biographical Information[edit]

Robert Lewis-Walker made his pro debut in 2012.

Lewis-Walker was signed by the Cincinnati Reds in July 2011; the scout was Nick Dempsey. In 2012, Robert was 0-2 with a 5.30 ERA in 16 games for the AZL Reds, with 18 strikeouts, 5 walks and 28 hits in 18 2/3 IP; he allowed a .350 batting average. With the South African national team for the 2013 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers, he relieved Jared Elario in the third against Spain with a 8-0 deficit, two on and two out. He retired Bárbaro Cañizares on a fly to end the inning. In the 4th, Yunesky Sanchez reached on an error, then Adrian Nieto doubled him in. Lewis-Walker walked Gabe Suarez, but Yasser Gómez then popped into a double play. The righty got Jesús Golindano to prevent more damage. In the 5th, he allowed singles to Engel Beltre and Rafael Alvarez (with an out by Paco Figueroa in between) but Cañizares hit into a twin killing. Dylan Lindsay relieved in the 6th. Only Hein Robb worked more innings for South Africa in the qualifiers without allowing an earned run.

In 17 games, he had a save and a 4.56 ERA for the 2013 Billings Mustangs to end his US pro career at 0-2, Sv, 4.87 in 33 games. He walked 8 in 44 1/3 IP but allowed 59 hits, while fanning 33. He pitched twice for South Africa in the 2017 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers. In game 2 against Australia, he relieved Dean Jacobs with a 4-1 deficit. He retired Mitch Dening and former major leaguers Trent Oeltjen and Brad Harman in a 1-2-3 frame before Lloyd Stevens took over in the 8th. In the semifinals, he replaced Stevens in the 7th with a 7-2 lead, one out and two on. He got out of that jam by fanning Max Brown and retiring Moko Moanaroa. He allowed two hits in a scoreless 8th then had a 1-2-3 9th to wrap up the win. In the Sydney qualifying pool, the only pitcher who worked more innings without allowing a run was teammate Dylan Unsworth.

The right-hander teamed with Stevens on a shutout of Uganda on day one of the 2019 Africa Cup Baseball Championship; South Africa would go on to win the title while Uganda wound up second. His 0.00 ERA in five innings tied teammate Elario for the lead and his 9 whiffs were two behind co-leaders Cliff Vint and Aziz Bonkoungou. South Africa advanced to the 2019 Europe/Africa Olympic Qualifier. In that event, he had a 4.15 ERA, blanking the [[Czech national team] ]for three innings before allowing a two-run double to Daniel Vavruša in the 4th and taking the loss against Boris Bokaj; Kevin Townend took over in the 5th.

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