February 16, 2009
River Bats add six to pitching staff
(ST. CLOUD, MN)
The St. Cloud River Bats of the Northwoods League continue to build on their roster by announcing the signing of six pitchers today. Tyler Fries, Dan Straily, Jordan Pries, Steven Ames, Matt Summers, and Barry Rooks have all signed contracts to play for the River Bats in 2009.
Tyler Fries, originally from Sauk Rapids, is a junior right-handed pitcher who plays his collegiate ball at Winthrop University. Fries attended Sauk Rapids-Rice High School where he earned numerous accolades including being named to the St. Cloud Times All Area Team twice (2005, 2006). He attended Indian Hills C.C. before heading to Winthrop where his submarine style arm angle held opponents to only 6 runs in 17.2 innings. "We're looking for Fries to add depth and variety to the bullpen this summer, his odd release really makes it tough to see the ball out of his hand." said Vice President Ryan Voz.
Dan Straily, junior right-handed pitcher from Marshall University made 15 starts for the Thundering Herd in 2008 which is second on Marshall's single-season games started list. He racked up 57 strikeouts in that time while accumulating a record of 5-4 with a 4.28 ERA.
Jordan Pries, freshman right-handed pitcher from Stanford was first team all-metro at Alameda High School in California last year. Pries has also shown two way potential by hitting .560 in 2008 earning him the Alameda Contra Costa Athletic League MVP honor.
Steven Ames, junior right-handed pitcher from Gonzaga racked up some great numbers at Columbia Basin College before becoming a Bulldog. In 86.1 innings Ames earned 90 strikeouts with a stellar 1.88 ERA.
U.C. Irvine product Matt Summers has obvious potential both on the mound and in the outfield.The River Bats will look to Summers for pitching help but may rely on him as a two way player as well.
Barry Rooks earned his way onto the Florida Atlantic University baseball team by stellar pitching performances at Daytona Beach C.C. The junior left-hander will add depth and mix into the River Bats rotation.
"These six pitchers will be relied on day in and day out this summer and we have a lot of confidence in all of them."said Vice President Marc Jerzak.
The River Bats open up their season with at Brainerd with a home and home series against the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers. Their first home game will be Friday May, 29th at 7:05.
For more information regarding the River Bats contact the front office at (320)-240-9798.
