Workhorse Augustine Set To Return For 2010
Published on January 25, 2010 under Frontier League (FL)
Southern Illinois Miners News Release
MARION, Ill. - The Southern Illinois Miners have announced that right-handed starting pitcher Joe Augustine will be back with the team for the 2010 season.
Augustine, 25, went 7-5 with a 3.50 ERA in 2009, his first season with Southern Illinois. His ERA ranked second on the team and eighth best in the Frontier League. He also led the team in innings pitched (110.2) and games started (19). After finishing the season strong, he is looking forward to pitching in Rent One Park once again.
"It's a great environment," Augustine said. "It's the best place I've played so far in three years of pro ball. I really enjoy coming to the field every day and pitching here knowing the fans will be behind us."
The former Kansas City Royals prospect was the victim of bad luck and poor run support early last season. However, he put together a six-game winning streak from June 20 through Aug. 9 and was 5-1 with a 2.10 ERA from the all-star break through the end of August.
"I am very glad to have Augie back with us," Miners Manager Mike Pinto said. "Joe did a great job for us all season. What gets missed in the stats is the number of games where he had quality starts and nothing to show for them. But, as a coaching staff we certainly noticed the reliable, consistent effort he gives us every time out. Joe is one of the hardest daily workers I have been around, and that work ethic allows him to get stronger throughout the season when many pitchers start to fatigue. This is a big component for our rotation this season."
The Miners open the season on May 20 at home against River City. For a complete schedule and the latest news on the Miners and events at Rent One Park, visit www.southernillinoisminers.com.
Frontier League Stories from January 25, 2010
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- Workhorse Augustine Set To Return For 2010 - Southern Illinois Miners
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