Lefties Looking to Bring Wins to Butler
March 25, 2013 - Prospect League (Prospect)
Butler BlueSox News Release
Butler, PA - March 25, 2013 - Injuries are an unavoidable part of any sport, but they present the opportunity for other players to step up. At the end of last summer, LaRoche pitcher Tyler Ferguson did just that and pitched so well for Butler that he earned a spot on the team again this summer. "Tyler did very well in the short time he was with us last summer," said BlueSox' manager Anthony Rebyanski.
Ferguson was lights out in two relief appearances against Slippery Rock and Lorain in the final week of last summer. He allowed just one hit and a single walk while striking out six, and he will be continuing in that role this summer.
"Although he is a starter at LaRoche, he will most likely be a late-inning stopper for us this summer coming out of the bullpen," said Rebyanski.
Coming off a strong performance last spring that placed him in the AMCCs top 10 in strikeouts, runs allowed, and batting average against, Ferguson was named to Collegiate Baseball's NCAA Division III Players to Watch List entering this spring.
Ferguson has thrown 31.1 innings over five starts in 2013, including two complete games, for a 4.88 ERA.
While Ferguson is coming from just down the road in Pittsburgh, another lefty, Robert Hawkins, will be coming from 1500 miles to the west from the University of Northern Colorado.
"Experience is key when it comes to success in summer leagues, and Robert brings that to the table for us," said Rebyanski.
The 6'4" junior was red-shirted last season after playing at Northeastern Junior College in 2011. He started his collegiate career at Kansas State and in his freshman year accumulated 10 strikeouts in 6.2 innings.
In his final high school season, Hawkins hit .480, and pitched his way to a 2.10 ERA, 56 strikeouts, a selection to the all-conference first team, team MVP, and a state championship.
"Left handed pitchers just find ways to win," said Rebyanski. "That is what we are looking for Hawkins to do this summer for us in Butler."
Hawkins has made four appearances this spring for Northern Colorado, having struck out five and walked four over nine innings of work.
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Prospect League Stories from March 25, 2013
- Lefties Looking to Bring Wins to Butler - Butler BlueSox
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