Kirsten returns for fourth season with Cats
Published on February 19, 2008 under American Association (AA)
Fort Worth Cats News Release
The Fort Worth Cats have re-signed left-handed pitcher Joel Kirsten, it was announced today. It will be Kirsten's fourth year with the Cats.
In 2007, he was named the American Association's Left-Handed Pitcher of the Year after going 6-5 with a 3.32 ERA in 18 starts for Fort Worth. In 116 2/3 innings, he allowed 109 hits, struck out 68 and walked 21 and had three complete games.
He was 1-1 with a 3.12 ERA in three playoff starts. He was the winning pitcher in Game 5 of the division series against El Paso and started Game 5 of the championship series for the third straight season, allowing just one run in six innings in that start.
Kirsten finished the 2006 campaign with a 7-4 record and a 3.90 ERA in 22 games. On Aug. 21 2006, Kirsten threw the first no-hitter in modern Cats history as he blanked the El Paso Diablos 2-0 at LaGrave Field. He faced just two batters above the minimum, allowing only a walk and a hit batter.
In 2005, Kirsten joined the team on July 2 and made 12 regular-season appearances including three starts. He was 1-2 with a 3.26 ERA in 30 1/3 innings of work. He struck out 28 batters and walked just 10. Kirsten was 2-1 with a 2.91 ERA in four playoff appearances.
He started the 2004 season with Stockton in the California League where he had no record with a 7.36 ERA in five games covering 14 2/3 innings of work. Later he pitched for Clinton in the Midwest League where he was 7-1 with a 2.48 ERA in 37 games including two starts.
Kirsten had a 4-0 record with a 1.44 ERA in 15 games with Spokane in 2003. Was 2-1 with a 4.29 ERA in his rookie year with Pulaski in 2002.
He was originally selected by the Rangers in the 25th round of the 2002 draft. Kirsten resides in Reseda, Calif.
American Association Stories from February 19, 2008
- Kirsten returns for fourth season with Cats - Fort Worth Cats
- Saltdogs Warner Retires - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Wingnuts Add Wichita State Standout - Wichita Wingnuts
- Saints Trade for Big Hitting First baseman - St. Paul Saints
- Pels Manager Guest Speaker at Sportsmen's Spectacular - Pensacola Pelicans
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
