(Rochester, Minn.)— The Rochester Honkers announced today the signing of right-handed pitcher Isaac Friesen from the University of Hawaii for the 2016 season.
The 6-foot-3, 185-pound junior from Louisville, Colorado has made seven appearances on the season, pitching 10.0 innings, striking out eight and walking five. He is tied for most appearances on the team and leads all relievers in innings pitched.
Prior to Hawaii, Friesen spent two seasons at Seminole State College in Seminole, Okla. He finished his sophomore season 2-1 with a 5.06 ERA. In 16 relief appearances, Friesen collected 19 strikeouts in 21 innings of work. He was named a 2015 NJCAA Academic All-American and was also named the Seminole State College Math, Science, and Engineering Student of the Year.
Friesen then pitched the summer of 2015 for the Alameda Merchants of the Golden State Baseball League (GSCBL), where he did not allow a run through his first 22 innings pitched. He finished the summer with 21 appearances, pitching 24.0 innings, striking out 20, and posting a 1.13 ERA. Friesen was one of only two relievers named to the GSCBL All-League First Team.
The 6-11 Rainbow Warriors return to action at home this weekend for their first Western Athletic Conference (WAC) action, as the 2-7 Chicago State Cougars visit Les Murakami Stadium for a four-game set.
The Rochester Honkers 23rd season begins on May 31st when the team travels to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to take on the Express. The following night, Wednesday, June 1st, the Honkers battle the Express in their home opener at Mayo Field at 7:05 pm. Season Tickets, Bonus Books, Suites and Patios are now available. Call the Rochester Honkers office at 507-289-1170 for more information. The Honkers are also looking for host families for the 2016 season and ask all interested parties to call the business office for more information.
The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. The 22-year old summer collegiate 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 140 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 (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com.
