Umberger Has Contract Purchased by White Sox

July 3, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
River City Rascals News Release

O'Fallon, Mo - River City Rascal relief pitcher and closer Dustin Umberger had his contract purchased by the Chicago White Sox and will report to the Kannapolis Intimidators (South Atlantic League).

Umberger, in his second season with River City after signing out of Liberty University prior to the 2011 season, posted eight saves in nine opportunities in 2012 and led the team with a 0.96 ERA in 22 appearances.

"It hasn't really set in yet" said Umberger about the new opportunity. "I'm really excited about the opportunity, so many people have put a lot of time and faith in me and I feel it's not just for me but for a lot of other people that have helped me along the way."

Dustin allowed just 14 hits in 28 innings while striking out 46 and walking seven while holding opposing hitters to a .146 batting average. Umberger's strikeout to walk ratio of 4.32 in 2011 ranks third-best in franchise history, striking out 12.3 per nine innings pitched in 2011.

The four-year starter at Liberty University posted a career record of 19-15 with a 4.99 ERA with the Flames.

Rascals reliever Brandon Cunniff (2-0, 1.73 ERA) is expected to assume the role of closer after posting 44 strikeouts and just eight walks in 26 innings this season following his all-star season in 2011 when he posted nine saves and a 1.54 ERA in 46 2/3 innings pitched.

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