ST. CLOUD, Minn. (May 9, 2012)—With the season opener just around the corner, the St. Cloud Rox are proud to announce six more players to the inaugural opening day roster.
Returning to St. Cloud this summer is Zach Hirsch a starting lefty from the University of Nebraska. The 6-foot-4 Illinois native has had 12 starts this season so far for the Huskers, going 56 2/3 innings pitched, with 31 strikeouts and only allowing 13 walks.
Also joining the pitching staff this summer is Minneapolis native, and 2011 Academy of Holy Angels graduate Lucas Long. Long is in his freshman season at the University of Arizona. Out of the bullpen for the Wildcats he has had nine appearances including three starts. Long so far has picked up 18 strikeouts in 25 innings of work.
Another strong arm coming to St. Cloud this summer is right-hander Andrew Urban from Creighton University. The Lawrence Kansas native currently has a 3.28ERA for the Blue Jays in 10 appearances including six starts. Urban has only given up nine walks so far this season.
Mark Rhine a solid infielder from Wake Forest University will also be making his way to St. Cloud this summer. The 6-foot-1 185 pound Pennsylvania native has collected 35 hits including eight doubles and 16 runs batted in for the Demon Deacon’s this season. Defensively Rhine has a .978 fielding percentage with 33 putouts and 88 assists.
Lastly a dynamic duo on the corners from Washington State University will also join the Rox this summer. Nick Tanielu a third baseman and Ty Jackson a first basement who can also pitch are both from the state of Washington and will continue being teammates for the summer. Tanielu didn’t see a lot of the field this past season for the cougars, but set his high school home run and RBI records as a sophomore. Jackson, in his freshman season has made 18 appearances at first base so far this season including toeing the rubber in nine games.
The Rox season opener is on the road at Midway Stadium in Duluth, Minnesota against the Huskies at 7:35pm.
The Rox will be back for their inaugural home opener at Joe Faber Field June 2nd with the Mankato MoonDogs, with post game fireworks.
