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Bellingham Bells

Hellinger, Knueppel to Join Bells' 2016 Pitching Staff

February 8, 2016 - West Coast League (WCL)
Bellingham Bells News Release


Two Gonzaga Bulldogs will make their way to Bellingham this summer, Vice President of Operations Nick Caples announced today.

Sam Hellinger, a right-handed pitcher from Seattle, Wash., spent two years at San Mateo Community College before transferring to Gonzaga for the 2016 season. His sophomore year at San Mateo, Hellinger notched a perfect 9-0 record in conference with a 2.63 ERA. While attending West Seattle High School, he was named the Metro League MVP, and was drafted by the Mariners in the 39th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft.

"Sam is a junior right-hander at Gonzaga who is coming off an impressive sophomore campaign," said Bells' pitching coach Jim Clem. "He is versatile and can be used as either a starter or reliever. We are excited to have Sam on our roster and expect him to be a key pitcher on our staff this summer."

The left-hander, Keaton Knueppel, comes from Verona, Wis. He is a senior at Verona Area High School, where he was named first-team All-Big Eight Conference in 2015. He comes off a season where he earned an 8-2 record with a 1.26 ERA, striking out 78 while only allowing 43 hits.

"Keaton is a big recruit for Gonzaga and we are excited to have him join the Bells this summer," said Clem. "He is known for being a strike thrower with a good fastball, curveball, and change-up. He is going to be a great addition to our staff!"

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