EDINBURG – Jorge Flores never imagined that he would end up at UTRGV. The 2013 PSJA graduate began his college career at Navarro Junior College and eventually moved on to Louisiana Tech.

Now he’s back home looking to make the most of his time on the mound.

“It’s amazing,” said the UTRGV redshirt senior. “I couldn’t have asked for any better. This opportunity is great.”

Jorge Flores didn’t even play baseball last year, nor was he enrolled at UTRGV.

He was in the Valley, recovering from an elbow injury he suffered at Louisiana Tech that required Tommy John surgery.

“It was hard staying away from the weight room,” said Flores. “That’s all I’ve ever done. When that went away I felt like I was going crazy.”

While working his way back, he pondered his next move.

Around the same time, UTRGV hired Derek Matlock as its new baseball coach.

“The guy had great numbers at Louisiana Tech and great numbers at Navarro,” said Matlock. “He kind of acted like he had other options. I was like, ‘Wait you don’t have another option.’ This is where you need to be.”

Flores is flourishing in his return to the Valley. He was named the WAC pitcher of the week for his stellar outing against Cal-State Bakersfield Saturday.

Flores threw a career-best, eight shutout innings with six strikeouts in the Vaqueros’ 5-0 nothing win over the Roadrunners.

“I never anticipated being Pitcher of the Week or anything like that,” said Flores. “All I’ve been trying to do this year is trying to be better than my last outing.”

Flores’ next start is Saturday when UTRGV travels to Utah Valley.