Pair of Outfielders Coming to Mankato
(Mankato, MN)–The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of two players for 2009. Junior outfielders Ryan Durant of the University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) and Chris Murrill of Nicholls State University (Thibodaux, LA) have committed to play for the MoonDogs this summer.
Durant, a 6’1” 180 lb. junior from Eldridge, IA, has been a bright spot for the Hawkeyes this season, starting 30 games thus far. He is currently second on the team in batting average (.349) and third on the team in doubles (8), home runs (2), and RBI (21). Prior to playing at Iowa, Ryan was an all-conference and all-region player for Iowa Central Community College.
“Ryan adds a solid presence to the middle of our order, and tremendous versatility in our outfield,” said MoonDogs General Manager Kyle Mrozek. “The MoonDogs have a great track record with the University of Iowa, and we are excited to see what Ryan can do for us this summer.”
Murrill, a 6’2” 190 lb. junior from Mobile, AL, is leading the Colonels in many offensive categories this season. He leads the Southland Conference in triples (6) and stolen bases (23), and ranks ninth in runs scored (40) and twelfth in batting average (.371). Chris was named Southland Conference Player of the Week on March 16, 2009, and recently helped the Colonels beat the #1 ranked LSU Tigers on April 15th for one of the biggest wins in program history.
“Chris is going to be a table setter for our team,” said Mrozek. “He brings experience as a junior player, and we are looking forward to having him in Mankato, doing great things for our club.”