Published On: September 27th, 2011

(ST. CLOUD, MN) – The St. Cloud River Bats announced Monday that Augie Rodriguez will return for a second season as the team’s pitching coach. Rodriguez is entering his third season as the pitching coach at Augusta State University in Georgia.

“We are really excited to welcome Augie back for a second season,” River Bats Owner/General Manager Joel Sutherland said. “For the life of me, I’ve never seen such a good relationship between a coach and his pitching staff.”

Last summer, the River Bats pitching staff posted a league best 3.21 earned run average. It was also the best team ERA in the North Division since 2009. Four pitchers finished with an earned run average below two, including All-Star left-hander Michael Fagan (Princeton) who finished with 81 strikeouts in 50.2 innings and a 1.97 ERA.
 
“I’m grateful for the opportunity St Cloud has given me,” Rodriguez said. “I love teaching young kids how to appreciate and play the game with love and passion.”

Right-hander Andy Urban (Creighton) and lefty Matt Iannazzo (Pittsburgh) each contributed a team-high five wins for Rodriguez’s pitching staff. Left-hander Travis Unthank (Central Missouri) was the team’s closer, notching 10 saves and a 3.41 ERA.

Latest News