2019 WCL Saves Leader, Three Others Join 2020 AppleSox
March 11, 2020 - West Coast League (WCL)
Wenatchee AppleSox News Release
The AppleSox have added pitching depth with this week's roster additions. Head coach Ian Sanderson signed four pitchers from three different schools and a well-regarded high-school prospect.
Rance Pittman
After a stellar year with the Cowlitz Black Bears last summer, Rance Pittman joins the AppleSox in 2020. Pittman tossed 27 games last summer, all in relief, and recorded a league-high nine saves. Pittman has a 1.80 ERA in five relief appearances for Southeast Missouri this season.
Sanderson is very familiar with Pittman. In two years at Lower Columbia College, Pittman recorded a 1.80 ERA. Pittman went 1-0 as a sophomore with a 1.47 ERA in 18.1 innings across nine appearances.
"Rance has been a bullpen guy with a lot of success," Sanderson said. "He will show a high 80's, low 90's fastball and a good slider. Great young man to help some of our young arms develop."
Isaiah Zavala
Freshman right-hander Isaiah Zavala comes to the AppleSox from the University of the Incarnate Word. He recorded a 2.18 ERA in four years at Southwest High School in San Antonio. Zavala earned all-state honors as a junior after posting a 1.33 ERA and hitting .370.
In college, Zavala has started each of the four games he has pitched in this spring and has particularly excelled in his last two times on the mound. He has not allowed any runs in a combined 13 innings and has given up just eight hits while striking out 10.
Michael McElmeel
Another member of the University of the Uncarnate Word joins the AppleSox this summer. Junior Michael McElmeel has tossed 42 games in his three years of college so far and is another veteran arm joining the AppleSox. Last season, McElmeel did not allow any runs in any of his first eight appearances en-route to a team-best 25 appearances on the mound. He recorded an 8.35 ERA in 18.1 innings. This spring, McElmeel has a 10.13 ERA in seven appearances.
Despite logging just 9.1 innings in seven appearances, Michael DeFelippi excelled as a freshman at the University of the Pacific. He only allowed 11 hits and recorded a 2.89 ERA. DeFelippi has a 7.20 ERA in three appearances this spring.
DeFelippi put together two strong JV years at Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego. He was part of an undefeated team his freshman year and was then named team MVP and Pitcher of the Year during his sophomore season
Jordan Thompson
The youngest player in this week's roster reveal joining the AppleSox in 2020 might have the most exciting future. Jordan Thompson may still be in high school, but he has already garnered national acclaim. The 2019 Perfect Game All-American shortstop is committed to play at LSU next year. Last summer, Thompson hit .283 with 14 extra-base hits for the San Diego Show travel team. He also has excelled as a pitcher at the high school level, topping out as high as 93 mph.
The AppleSox' 2020 season begins on June 4 with a 6:35 p.m. non-league game against the Highline Bears. The home schedule is highlighted with Coyote Bobblehead Night on June 13, Fireworks Nights on July 3 and 20 and the West Coast League All-Star Game on July 20. The full schedule can be viewed below. Season tickets run as affordable as $130 and can be purchased online. Single-game tickets can be purchased by calling 509-665-6900.
West Coast League Stories from March 11, 2020
- 2019 WCL Saves Leader, Three Others Join 2020 AppleSox - Wenatchee AppleSox
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