Wichita Acquires Pratt, Hilton from AirHogs
April 2, 2018 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, Kans. - The Wichita Wingnuts announced the acquisition of right-handed pitchers Jesse Pratt and Kevin Hilton from the Texas AirHogs on Monday in exchange for outfielder Greg Golson.
Pratt was well-traveled during the 2017 season, spending time with three different American Association clubs and two stints with the Wingnuts. Beginning his 2017 season with Wichita, the righty made 15 appearances before being released and signing with Gary SouthShore in late July. Pratt relieved in eight games for the RailCats, but was released and re-signed by the Wingnuts on August 15. The Independence, Ore., native pitched in three games for the Wingnuts in his second tour, then was shipped to the Texas AirHogs in exchange for outfielder Jacob Morris. All told, Pratt finished the 2017 campaign with a 3-4 record and 4.62 ERA, covering 48.2 innings of work.
A versatile arm capable of starting or relieving, Pratt was a critical part of the Wingnuts 2016 staff as a true rookie. The 25-year old finished 6-2 with a 3.47 ERA in 35 appearances, including three starts. In the postseason, Pratt made two more starts, and did not allow an earned run over 8.1 innings.
Hilton was signed by the AirHogs on July 7 after beginning the season in the Desert League with the Somerton Cañeros. The right-hander appeared in 11 games for Texas, including three starts, and finished the year 1-2 with a 4.93 ERA. Two of those outings came against the Wingnuts, including 4.2 scoreless innings on August 26 in which Hilton struck out six. In his final outing of 2017, the 26-year old fired a complete game with eight punchouts against the Salina Stockade.
Prior to making his professional debut, Hilton played collegiately at Division II Cal State-San Marcos. Pitching for the Cougars from 2012-2014, Hilton went 10-7 with a 4.15 ERA in 56 games, tossing four complete games and notching a pair of saves.
Golson was signed by the Wingnuts on March 9, and did not play in a game for Wichita.
The acquisition and signing of Pratt and Hilton brings the number of Wingnuts players under contract for the 2018 season up to 23. American Association clubs may carry up to 28 players during spring training, which opens on May 6.
Stay up to date on all player signings and transactions by checking on the Wingnuts roster here.
The 11th season of Wingnuts baseball and the club's pursuit of an eighth consecutive division title kicks off with a three-game home series against the Kansas City T-Bones, beginning on Friday, May 18. For information on season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Wingnuts main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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- Wichita Acquires Pratt, Hilton from AirHogs - Wichita Wingnuts
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