Bombers Sign a Pair of Missouri Valley Lefites

Jacob Hendren and MVC Pitcher of the Week Jordan Knutson Set to Pitch in Battle Creek this Summer

Battle Creek, Mich. – The Battle Creek Bombers are proud to announce the signings of Missouri State’s Jordan Knutson, the most recent Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week, and Illinois State’s Jacob Hendren.

Jordan Knutson (6’0”, 175, Sophomore, Missouri State, Bats: R/Throws: L)

In earning his first MVC Pitcher of the Week honor, Knutson threw eight shutout innings against Evansville University, helping Missouri State jump to the top of the MVC standings and into the top-15 nationally. The sophomore struck out five, while scattering five hits and three walks in the victory. After stranding five base runners in the first four innings, Knutson settled down, only allowing two Evansville hitters to reach in his final four innings of work.

For the 15th-ranked Bears this season, Knutson has posted a 2-1 record in 12 appearances (six starts). In 44 innings pitched, he has given up 13 runs (11 earned) and just nine extra-base hits, while recording 32 strikeouts to just 15 walks. His 2.25 earned run average ranks fourth in the MVC among qualified pitchers.

“I’m very excited to have Jordan as a projected starter with us this summer, especially coming from a top-15 program,” Field Manager Robert Robinson said. “In talking with him, I can tell he’s going to carry over his spring success to the summer by using the same formula of everyday mental and physical preparation.”

Jacob Hendren (6’2”, 181, Junior, Illinois State, Bats: L/Throws: L)

Hendren has been an ace for Illinois State this season, posting team highs in wins (six), innings pitched (59.0), ERA (3.51), and complete games (one), while checking in at second with 55 strikeouts. The junior’s win, ERA, and strikeout totals all rank in the MVC’s top five. In his last six starts, Hendren has posted a 5-0 record with a 2.57 ERA and 34 strikeouts, while scattering just nine walks and 13 extra base hits in 42 innings pitched.

“It’s awesome to add another pitcher who is having a stellar spring,” Robinson said of the ISU standout. “Jacob is always looking to get better and I love the no nonsense attitude he brings to the ballpark everyday. Jacob has developed into one of Illinois State’s best pitchers and I am looking for him to come in and be a dominant starter for us this summer.”

Check out Knutson, Hendren, and the rest of the 2015 Bombers at C.O. Brown Stadium this summer. The Bombers start play on May 26th, opening day of the Northwoods League season, when they host the defending NWL Champion Lakeshore Chinooks. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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