BATTLE CREEK, MI – The Battle Creek Bombers announced today the signing of two sophomores to the 2016 roster. Krystien Johnson-Battilana of Davenport University, and Kaleb McCurry of Mars Hill University will suit up for the red and black this summer.
Krystien Johnson-Battilana: 6’2’’, 185 lbs, RHP, sophomore, (Bats: R/Throws: R), Hamilton, Ontario
As a sophomore at Davenport, Johnson-Battilana has earned playing time this pitching 6.0 innings of relief, and striking out eight batters. Johnson-Battilana earned his first win of the season against Point Park on Feb. 29, as he came into pitch a scoreless inning of relief, striking out one and walking just one.
A product of Sherwood Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario, Johnson-Battilana played the past two summers with the Utica Brewers of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. In his first year with the Brewers, Johnson-Battilana started five games and had a streak from late June to early July of 12 consecutive scoreless innings.
Kaleb McCurry: 6’2’’, 175 lbs, RHP, sophomore (Bats: R/Throws: R), Burnsville, North Carolina
McCurry appeared in 14 games for the Mars Hill last season, leading the team with a 2.45 ERA. The freshman was one of the Lions top relievers out of the pen, allowing opponents to hit just .200 off of him, and posting 4 saves. In 22.0 innings pitched, McCurry struck out 17 batters, while walking just 9 and allowing only 15 hits.
A graduate of Mountain Heritage High School, McCurry returns to the Bombers after spending the summer in Battle Creek last season, becoming a steady presence out of the bullpen. In 25 appearances, McCurry posted a 1.61 ERA, good for second on the team. The sophomore also struck out 40 batters while walking just 12, in 39.0 innings pitched. Pitching in relief, McCurry had a 2-1 record with 2 saves on the summer.
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