BATTLE CREEK, MI – The OnStaff Group's recruiting trail presents the signing of two sophomores to Battle Creek's 2016 roster. Krystien Johnson-Battilana of Davenport University, and Kaleb McCurry of Mars Hill University will suit up for the red and black this summer.
Krystien Johnson-Battilana: 6’2’’, 185 lbs, RHP, sophomore, (Bats: R/Throws: R), Hamilton, Ontario
As a sophomore at Davenport, Johnson-Battilana has earned playing time this pitching 6.0 innings of relief, and striking out eight batters. Johnson-Battilana earned his first win of the season against Point Park on Feb. 29, as he came into pitch a scoreless inning of relief, striking out one and walking just one.
A product of Sherwood Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario, Johnson-Battilana played the past two summers with the Utica Brewers of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. In his first year with the Brewers, Johnson-Battilana started five games and had a streak from late June to early July of 12 consecutive scoreless innings.
Kaleb McCurry: 6’2’’, 175 lbs, RHP, sophomore (Bats: R/Throws: R), Burnsville, North Carolina
McCurry appeared in 14 games for the Mars Hill last season, leading the team with a 2.45 ERA. The freshman was one of the Lions top relievers out of the pen, allowing opponents to hit just .200 off of him, and posting 4 saves. In 22.0 innings pitched, McCurry struck out 17 batters, while walking just 9 and allowing only 15 hits.
A graduate of Mountain Heritage High School, McCurry returns to the Bombers after spending the summer in Battle Creek last season, becoming a steady presence out of the bullpen. In 25 appearances, McCurry posted a 1.61 ERA, good for second on the team. The sophomore also struck out 40 batters while walking just 12, in 39.0 innings pitched. Pitching in relief, McCurry had a 2-1 record with 2 saves on the summer.
Fans can guarantee tickets to the team’s top weekend dates of the season by locking in the Bombers new 5-game pack. 5-game packs are $59 and include the best seats at the team’s five (5) best games with all-you-can-eat food and beverages with guaranteed giveaways. Fans can buy online by going to http://northwoodsleague.com/battle-creek-bombers/tickets/5-game-packs/. Fans can also call the team’s front office at (269) 962-0735 or by emailing tickets@battlecreekbombers.com.
This recruiting update is presented by OnStaff Group. OnStaff Group is the largest human resource services firm in Southwest Michigan, maintaining an exceptionally experienced and stable staff. Learn how your company can benefit from over 168 years of expertise from a vast variety of organizations and industries today!
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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. The 22-year old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 140 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com.