Pronounced: c-AWK-oh
2019 (Junior): Appeared in nine games while starting two on the mound for the Hilltoppers … Ranked second on the team with a 4.86 ERA while striking out nine in 16.2 innings of work … Tossed a season-high 4.1 innings against Belmont (4/9) while allowing just three hits and no runs … Whiffed a season-high four batters against Belmont (4/16) in 3.0 innings … Threw 2.2 innings of scoreless ball against Memphis (3/7) while striking out one.
2018 (Sophomore): Started his season with 4.2 scoreless frames before allowing 1 run to begin his third inning of work April 28 vs. Louisiana Tech ... In his first 3 outings, blanked Memphis, Bowling Green and Tennessee Tech across 2.2 frames with 1 strikeout while allowing only 1 hit and 1 walk.
2017 (Freshman): Flashed brilliance at times during his rookie campaign, striking out First-round MLB draft picks Jeren Kendall (Vanderbilt, 23rd overall) and Brendan McKay (Louisville, fourth overall) in midweek appearances ... Led WKU freshmen with 8 starts, while adding 8 more appearances out of the bullpen ... Had career-highs of 6 innings and 9 strikeouts in relief vs. Rice on April 22, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs with 0 walks ... Allowed only 2 hits and 1 walk, compared to 3 strikeouts, in a career-long start of 5.1 innings at Murray State on April 18, leading the Hilltoppers to an 8-5 win ... Worked around 3 hits and 4 walks at Louisiana Tech on April 30 to allow only 1 run in 3.2 frames.
At Neumann-Goretti Catholic HS: Struck out 21 hitters in 33.1 innings - while only allowing 20 hits and issuing 7 walks - and posted a 0.54 ERA for the Saints as a senior ... Named All-Conference First Team and All-Southeast Pennsylvania honors, while being the first pitcher selected in the 2016 Carpenter Cup Classic ... Helped lead Neumann-Goretti to a 2A State Championship in 2016.
Personal Info: Born March 17, 1998 in Winslow N.J. ... Son of Michael and Lori Ciocco ... Studying Sport Management at WKU ... Favorite athlete is Derek Jeter because he is humble, hard-working and he played the game the right way ... Chose WKU because of the coaching staff, Nick Denes Field and the amazing facilities, outstanding education and great environment ... Plans to coach baseball and own his own business after his playing days are over ... Ciocco's parents had the biggest influence on his athletic career because they always supported him.
