MANKATO, Minn.–The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is pleased to announce the commitment of catcher Matt Wollenzin, along with the right-handed pitchers Hunter Lindly and Jared Carkuff for the 2013 MoonDogs season.
Wollenzin, a 6-foot-1-inch, 210-pound junior of Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, Tenn.) concluded his sophomore year starting 39 games as a Governor, with a .209 batting average and racked up 17 RBIs and three home runs. The Lakewood, Colo. native suffered a preseason injury that has kept him from appearing in any 2013 games, but is expected to return to play in early May.
"Despite an early season injury, Matt is a high-level guy who has those leadership qualities to handle the younger staff and the behind the plate experience from a good baseball program" said Field Manager Mike Orchard. "AP runs a successful program, it’s great when you can add three guys from a team with a steady Regionals track record."
Lindly, a 5-foot-11-inch, 220-pound freshman at AP, has made five appearances for the Governors posting a 2.25 ERA after four innings of work. A dual player, Lindley was a stand-out at St. George’s Independent School (Collierville, Tenn.), a 3-time All-Tournament and All-Region selection. As a senior, the Gryphon boasted a .430 batting average, with 32 runs scored, 50 RBIs and 14 doubles.
"Hunter has that velocity to be successful in a relief or bull pen position for us this summer," said Orchard. "He has a closer’s arm and is capable of creating those strikeouts."
Carkuff, a 6-foot-4-inch, 160-pound freshman at AP, ended his senior year at Cascade High School with 139 strikeouts, allowing less than an earned run per game, 0.30 ERA. The right-handed pitcher was the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association First-Team All-State pick in 2012. As a Governor, Carkuff, has made five appearances, and one start this spring. Despite limited play, 6.0 innings, Carkuff has retired five batters at the plate.
"Throwing in the 80’s, and an ability to throw a breaking ball, Jared has an upside that will benefit the MoonDogs in either a starting or relief role," said Orchard.
The MoonDogs home opener is scheduled for Wednesday, May 29th at 7:05 p.m. against the Rochester Honkers at Franklin Rogers Park. Season tickets are now on sale at the MoonDogs office located at 1221 Caledonia Street. For more information, visit our website www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs office at 507-625-7047.
