Gopher Ball, Saints Sign University of Minnesota Infielder Luke Pettersen
June 22, 2018 - American Association (AA) - St. Paul Saints News Release
ST. PAUL, MN - It was one of the most successful years in recent memory for the University of Minnesota, reaching the Super Regional for the first time in school history (the 1977 team advanced straight to the College World Series after winning the Regional). The Saints and their manager, George Tsamis, watched many of those games either on bus rides on the road or prior to their own games. The Saints have signed an integral part of that team, infielder Luke Pettersen.
The 22-year-old Pettersen had an outstanding 2018 season hitting .322 with a home run and 27 RBI in 59 games. In 242 at bats he scored 58 runs, roped 13 doubles, one triple, swiped 13 bases, a .406 on base percentage, and a .387 slugging percentage.
Pettersen had a breakout season during his junior year with the Gophers when he led the team in hitting with a .354 average. He drove in 30 runs in 56 games (53 starts). In 195 at bats he scored 33 runs, had eight doubles, a .411 on base percentage, and a .395 slugging percentage. He had back-to-back four hit games against UC Irvine on February 18 and 19 and collected 20 multi-hit games.
During his sophomore season Pettersen hit .281 with six RBI in 40 games (25 starts). In 96 at bats he scored 15 runs, with two doubles, a .343 on base percentage, and a .302 slugging percentage.
In his first year at the University of Minnesota, as a freshman, Pettersen hit .280 with two RBI in 17 games (six starts).
Overall, Pettersen hit .324 in his four-year Gopher career.
Pettersen is a graduate of Minnetonka High School, where he graduated Cum Laude, and hit .372 his senior season. He was All-State Second Team and All-Lake Conference.
In order to make room for Pettersen the Saints released pitcher Jake Esch, who was 3-2 with a 6.96 ERA in seven starts.
The Saints roster now stands at the league maximum 23, 11 pitchers and 12 position players.
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