Evansville Hurler Looks to Contribute Out of Bullpen
Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks have announced that right-handed pitcher Brent Jurceka has re-signed to play with the team for the 2015 season. Jurceka (pronounced jur-SEE-ka), a junior from the University of Evansville, is the 21st player to be named to Waterloo’s roster for the squad’s 21st season.
Last season for the Bucks, Jurceka appeared in 11 games, finishing the season with a 3-1 record and a 3.46 ERA. The 6’5”, 185-pounder recorded two saves and struck out 23 in 26 innings. Jurceka held opponents to a .198 average.
“Brent is a tall righty that came in on a temporary contract last year and was great out of the bullpen for us,” said Bucks General Manager Dan Corbin. “We’re happy to sign him to a full contract and expect him to be a big part of our team in 2015.”
Last season for the Purple Aces, Jurceka appeared in a team-high 26 games out of the bullpen, posting a 2-1 record with a 3.52 ERA and two saves. A native of Orland Park, Illinois, Jurceka struck out 59 batters in 53.2 innings pitched. This season, Jurceka owns an 8.00 ERA and a 1-1 record in six appearances. Jurceka has struck out 11 hitters in nine innings.
Born August 20, 1997, Jurceka played prep ball at Carl Sandburg High School where he finished with an 11-4 record as a varsity hurler.
The Bucks, the winningest team in all of summer-collegiate baseball over the past two years, will open the 2015 season on the road versus the Alexandria Blue Anchors on May 26, but return to Waterloo for their home opener versus the Mankato MoonDogs on May 28. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.
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The Waterloo Bucks 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 (BOS) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website. For more information, visit www.waterloobucks.com.