(Brainerd Lakes Area) –Ray Black signed with the San Francisco Giants Tuesday night after a month with the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers this summer.

Black, the sophomore out of the University of Pittsburgh, was the seventh round pick of the Giants in this year’s MLB Draft. Initially, Black decided not to sign with San Francisco, opting to come back with the Lunkers this summer. He made seven appearances for Brainerd Lakes Area this summer, recording two saves. Black played with the Lunkers in 2010 as well, leading the team with eight saves in eight appearances.

After appearing in Tuesday night’s game against the Mankato MoonDogs, Black received the offer he wanted and decided it was the right time to sign. He is known for his fastball, which has been clocked as high as 98 miles per hour.

“It has been a privilege watching Ray pitch over the past two summers,” said Lunkers General Manager Dustin Anaas. “He has a very bright future, and we’re glad he was part of our team before stepping into professional baseball.

 Black will start his professional career in the Arizona Rookie League.