The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, of the Northwoods League, is excited to announce the addition of pitchers Kyle Goodbrand and Justin Lawrence to the MoonDogs 2015 Roster.
Kyle Goodbrand is a 6’3 190 pound Freshman right handed pitcher out of Saddleback College. The Rancho Santa Margarita, California native was a part of the Arizona State University a year ago. He did not see the field of play for the Sun Devils. This season for the Saddleback College Gauchos, Goodbrand has appeared in two games, both in relief while fanning two batters and only allowing opponents to hit .167 against him.
"Kyle is coming off an arm injury last year, but so far is feeling stronger than ever,” said Field Manager Ryan Day. “We expect him to continue to build his strength back this spring and come into summer with the ability to start or long relieve for us."
Justin Lawrence is a 6’3 220 pound Sophomore right handed pitcher out of Daytona State College. The Jacksonville, Florida native spent last year at Jacksonville University, where he had a 1-1 record in 19 relief appearances. This season with the Daytona State Falcons Lawrence has posted a 0.00 ERA with one save in three relief appearances while striking out six, and holding opponents to a blistering .083 batting average.
"We expect Justin to be another shutdown reliever for us this summer,” said Day. "Justin provides us a guy with closer experience in the bullpen, which is extremely valuable in a long season.”
Lawrence has committed to play with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
"Both guys are athletic pitchers and will fit in great with the type of team we are trying to put together for this summer," said Day.
The MoonDogs home opener is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 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.
“The Mankato MoonDogs are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 22nd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2015, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (OAK) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website. For more information, visit http://www.mankatomoondogs.com
