AppleSox Sign Pair from Oregon State
April 13, 2012 - West Coast League (WCL)
Wenatchee AppleSox News Release
(Wenatchee, WA)-Two players from one of the Pac-12's premier baseball schools will call Paul Thomas Sr. Field home this summer. Oregon State University is sending a pair of freshmen, right-handed pitcher Riley Wilkerson and outfielder Ryan Howell to play for the AppleSox.
"We have had a great relationship with Oregon State for many years," said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs. "They are a fantastic program and every player they have ever sent us has been very well prepared to play in our league."
Wilkerson is the third Oregon State player that has hailed from West Linn, Ore., to play for the AppleSox, following in the footsteps of Cole Gillespie (2004) and Ryan Barnes (2011). At West Linn High School he was named Pitcher of the Year for the 6A Three Rivers League and was selected to the All-State team after going 5-3 with a 1.95 earned run average on the mound his senior year. He has started four games for the Beavers this season and is 1-0 with a 5.84 ERA.
"Getting an opportunity to be a starting pitcher at Oregon State as only a freshman is very impressive. He has a bright future and we are looking forward to having him as part of our pitching staff," said Knaggs.
Howell was named the Bay Valley Athletic League Offensive Player of the Year after his final season at Heritage High School in Brentwood, Calif. He hit .466 as a high school senior, driving in nine runs and stealing seven bases. The freshman has seen limited action for the Beavers, appearing in six games this spring.
"Like most players who have not seen a lot of action in the school season, I'm sure he will be chomping at the bit to get out on the field when he gets here this summer," said Knaggs.
The AppleSox open the 2012 season on the road against the Bellingham Bells on June 1st. The team will return to Paul Thomas Sr. Field to start a six-game homestand beginning with the home opener on June 5th against the Bend Elks.
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West Coast League Stories from April 13, 2012
- AppleSox Sign Pair from Oregon State - Wenatchee AppleSox
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