Cowlitz Black Bears Sign Team USA Pitcher, Infield Trio
December 27, 2011 - West Coast League (WCL)
Cowlitz Black Bears News Release
Longview-Kelso, Washington, Tuesday, December 27, 2011: The Cowlitz Black Bears announced the signing of Cole Irvin, a member of the US 18U National Team and University of Oregon signee, and infielders Ben Swinford (Cornell), Alex Rubanowitz (UC - Riverside) and Peter Maris (UC - Santa Barbara).
Irvin, a 6'4" left handed pitcher from southern California power Servite High School, was the starting pitcher for Team USA against highly touted Venezuela in the semi-finals of the COPABE 18U Pan American Games, held in Cartenega, Columbia. Irvin gave up one run on five hits in seven strong innings, earning the win in a 5 - 1 US victory. The 18U National Team went on to win the gold medal by defeating Canada in the finale. Irvin also was the starting pitcher starter for the US against the Bahamas in a 16-0 shutout win.
"Cole is an elite pitcher," said Black Bears General Manager Grant Wilson. "He brings big game experience of having pitched on an international stage."
Cornell third baseman Ben Swinford is a Lake Oswego, Oregon product. The sophomore third baseman started every game in his freshman season, hitting .248 with seven multi-hit games for the Big Red in 2011.
Freshmen middle infielder Alex Rubanowitz will play under former Black Bears head coach Bryson LeBlanc at UC Riverside this spring. The Calabasas (CA) High School product was a two-time all league performer in high school. The left handed hitting Rubanowitz played in the So Cal Collegiate Baseball League last summer, and was ranked by Perfect Game as the number 13 prospect in the league.
Freshmen Peter Maris is a middle infielder from UC Santa Barbara. Maris finished a two year varsity career with a .322 average, helping Dana Hills (CA) to the finals of the CIF Division 1 Southern Section tournament in 2010.
2012 Cowlitz Black Bears Ticket Packages are available by calling (360) 703-3195 or please visit us on-line at www.cowlitzblackbears.com.
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West Coast League Stories from December 27, 2011
- Cowlitz Black Bears Sign Team USA Pitcher, Infield Trio - Cowlitz Black Bears
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