Wade Miley has proved on every level that he can beat the competition. On Tuesday, Aug. 16, the former Southeastern pitcher got his chance to perform on the grandest stage of them all: the major leagues. Miley, who sported a 4-1 record with a 3.64 ERA with the AAA Reno Aces, was called up to fill a spot in the rotation by the Arizona Diamondbacks after veteran Jason Marquis fractured his right fibula.

Miley was considered the Diamondback’s number six overall prospect by mlb.com. The Diamondbacks, who are in the heat of the pennant race. Miley, 24, ranked second all-time at Southeastern in strikeouts with 259.

A Loranger High School alum, Miley was originally drafted out of high school in the 20th round by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, but opted to attend college instead. In 2008 he lead the Southland Conference with 119 strikeouts. In three years at Southeastern he tallied a 20-15 record, putting him in a tie for sixth on the school’s all-time wins list.

“We know he’s got good stuff,” stated Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson in an interview with mlb.com. “He threw a lot in spring training. He was kind of pitching for a spot, and we threw a lot at him with his moves and all the fundamental stuff. I think it was a good experience for him.”

Miley’s first start was Saturday, Aug. 20, against the Atlanta Braves. The Diamondbacks managed to give him a one-run lead going into the bottom of the first, but that would be the only run that would cross the plate for Arizona. In the bottom of the first, Miley started off his career by striking out leadoff man Michael Bourn. But, two batters later, second baseman Dan Uggla homered to give the Braves a 2-1 lead. From there, Miley would cough up three more runs on seven total hits and two walks in four innings of work.

“It went well other than the fact that a couple of pitches didn’t go where I wanted, and guys don’t miss mistakes up here,” Miley stated, in a separate interview with mlb.com. “I learned that very quick. I felt like I made some quality pitches, but they hit quality pitches, so you have to make great pitches to get these guys.”

“Honestly, I thought I was going to be more nervous, more anxious than I was,” Miley stated. “I really didn’t think it was that bad. I know where I stand and what I need to work on to move forward.”