Stingers add 2 from Kentucky, 1 from Daytona State to 2015 Roster
Wilson, Strecker and Ortiz set to join the Stingers
Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Stingers are excited to announce the addition of three new players to the 2015 roster. Storm Wilson (University of Kentucky), Zach Strecker (University of Kentucky) and Jonny Ortiz (Daytona State College) bring the total number of committed players to nineteen for the upcoming season of Stingers baseball, their sixth in the Northwoods League.
Wilson, 5-foot-11 sophomore outfielder, has been a constant fixture in the outfield so far this season for the Wildcats. Wilson has started all 12 games with a .239 batting average, 11 runs scored, and 3 runs batted in. Leading the team in stolen bases with 5, Wilson has helped guide the Wildcats to a 9-3 overall record so far this spring.
During his freshman season in 2014, he hit .289 in 45 games with 6 doubles and 20 RBI. Wilson also tied for the most home runs (4) in the Southeastern Conference with former Stingers outfielder Casey Hughston (University of Alabama). His .420 on-base percentage was also fifth best on the Wildcats last season.
Strecker, a 6-foot-4 junior pitcher, is another mainstay for the Wildcats coming out of their bullpen each of the last three seasons. Thus far in 2015 Strecker has made 5 appearances, 5 2/3 innings pitched, and has a 3.18 earned run average. According to his coaches, Strecker is a strike throwing machine and has a delivery that presents challenges for right-handed hitters. As a sophomore in 2014, Strecker settled into a middle relief role for the Wildcats. Strecker was fourth on the team in appearances (18) and had amassed 21 1/3 innings on the mound.
Wilson and Strecker are no strangers to summer collegiate baseball, as they were teammates with the Valley Blue Sox in the New England Collegiate Baseball League last summer. Wilson posted a .254 batting average in 36 games and tied for third on the team with eight stolen bases. Strecker led the Blue Sox pitching staff in starts (8), innings pitched (50 2/3) and was second in strikeouts (30).
Ortiz, a 6-foot-3 sophomore pitcher, will join fellow Daytona State teammate Phoenix Sanders in Willmar this summer. In three starts this season with the Falcons, Ortiz has 20 strikeouts in 15.1 innings, including one complete game. Ortiz was named the FCSAA Region 8 Pitcher of the Week for his performance on February 19th against CCBC Cantonsville. Jonny allowed just three hits and twelve strikeouts in a 7 inning game, which the Falcons won 14-1.
As a freshman last season, Ortiz made 10 starts for Daytona State. He finished the season second on the team with 55 innings pitched, a 3.27 ERA and 28 strikeouts. Ortiz spent the summer playing in the Florida Summer Collegiate League with the Winter Park Diamond Dogs. Ortiz finished second on the team in wins (5) and innings pitched (46). After earning an All-Star nomination, Ortiz helped lead the Diamond Dogs to the Florida League championship.
Field Manager Drew Saberhagen, as well as the Stingers organization will continue to build the roster for the 2015 season. Season tickets for the 2015 season are currently on sale. For more information regarding this press release please contact the Willmar Stingers front office at 320-222-2010 or visit www.willmarstingers.com.
The 2015 season is presented by Marcus Construction. From start to finish Marcus Construction will make your job easier and build a facility you will be proud of.