Gems Add Six Players
September 14, 2011 - West Coast League (WCL)
Klamath Falls Gems News Release
KLAMATH FALLS, OR - The Klamath Falls Gems today announced the commitment of six players for the 2012 season, bringing the team's total commitments to 18 players. Returning from the 2011 squad are pitchers Mitch Merten (sophomore, UC Irvine), Steven Schoonover (junior, Nebraska-Omaha), Nathan Bunch (junior, St. Josephs, IN College) and Bryan Clough (sophomore, Santa Ana JC). New to the Gems are infielder Conner George (sophomore, U. of Hawaii) and left handed pitcher Andy Lines (junior, UC Irvine).
Merten started seven of the nine games in which he appeared for the 2011 Gems, compiling a 1-0 record with a 2.40 ERA. He also earned one save and walked only 10 batters in 45 innings of work.
Schoonover, a transfer to Nebraska-Omaha from Yakima (WA) Valley JC, started six games for the Gems in 2011 and was 2-2 with a 2.25 ERA. He pitched 40 1/3 innings and walked only two batters.
Bunch transferred to St. Josephs from Pierce (WA) College. Nathan finished the year with a 4-3 record and 4.20 ERA, though he was 3-2 with a 2.14 ERA through July 29.
Clough led the 2011 Gems in innings pitched (49 1/3) and strikeouts (51) while compiling a 1-4 record and a 4.20 ERA. He spent the 2011 college season at UC Irvine before moving to Santa Ana.
George, a native of Tigard, OR and college teammate of Gems pitcher Patrick O'Rourke, started 41 games for Wenatchee of the West Coast League in 2011. He hit .206 with one HR and 19 RBI while playing shortstop, second and third base. He was a three-time All-Conference selection in high school.
Lines pitched in relief for the Cowlitz Black Bears of the WCL in 2011, appearing in 11 games and compiling a 2-1 record with a 2.21 ERA in 20 1/3 innings. He did not allow a run in seven of his 11 appearances, and allowed more than one run only once. He also earned two saves with the Black Bears.
The 2012 West Coast League season begins in June.
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West Coast League Stories from September 14, 2011
- Gems Add Six Players - Klamath Falls Gems
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