Wisconsin Rapids, WI –  The Rafters are excited to announce the signing of three pitchers from the University of Southern California.  The first official members of the inaugural Rafters squad will be Andrew Triggs (sophomore right-handed pitcher), Chad Smith (sophomore right-handed pitcher) and Brad Douthit (sophomore left-handed pitcher).  The Trojans, along with most of college baseball, open up play this weekend. 

Andrew Triggs, 6’3”, 210 lbs (R/R)

Triggs had an impressive and standout year as a freshman. He earned Pac-10 Conference honorable mention and Pac-10 Conference All-Academic first team in 2009.  Triggs appeared in 15 games in 2009 and started 10; he finished the year with a 5-3 record and an ERA of 3.96.  Triggs threw a complete game on April 10th against Oregon and had 6 strikeouts.  Triggs is slotted to have the No. 1 spot in the weekend rotation for the Trojans in 2010.

This past summer, Triggs played in the New England Collegiate Baseball League.  He is originally from Nashville, TN.

Chad Smith, 6’3”, 210 lbs (L/R)

Smith is a sophomore with 45 innings of experience for the Trojans.  Smith ended the season with a 3.40 ERA and one save.  Smith earned the start against at No. 1 UC Irvine in 2009 and allowed one run on two hits in 6 innings of work.  Smith made his collegiate debut against Pepperdine a year ago.  Smith is expected to be a part of the weekend rotation for the Trojans.  Smith also has a cousin, Scott Nestor, playing with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Brad Douthit, 6’3”, 185 lbs (L/L)

Douthit will compete for playing time out of the bullpen.  Douthit adds depth to the Trojans pitching staff.  He made five appearances in 2009 and finished the season with a 4.15 ERA.  Douthit had an impressive high school career with a personal career best ERA of 1.86 as a junior.

 Field Manager Laverty on Triggs, Smith and Douthit:“I was very excited when Andrew, Chad and Brad became available for the summer.  Andrew and Chad are expected to be in the USC starting rotation and Brad will pitch in relief and possibly get a few mid-week starts.   All three will bring a great amount of experience to the Rafters pitching staff for the inaugural season.” 

Ticket Packages and Group Tickets are on sale now!  For more information call (715) 424-5400 or visit www.raftersbaseball.com.  The Rafters will play a 70 game schedule with 35 home games in 2010.  Opening Day at Witter Field is scheduled for Sunday, June 6 at 6:05pm vs. the Eau Claire Express.