Bismarck, ND – The Bismarck Larks announced today the return of inaugural season pitchers Jeff Lindgren and JC Bonilla.
Jeff Lindgren, a junior for the Illinois State Redbirds, led the Larks in appearances with 16 for their inaugural season. He pitched 26.1 innings while only surrendering 21 hits, 9 earned runs, 8 walks, and 26 strikeouts. Jeff finished with a 2-1 record with a 3.03 earned run average and also recorded 5 saves.
“I’m really missing everything about last summer from the fans to the host families to the coaching and management staff,” says Lindgren. “I’m really hoping this summer we can make a playoff push and hopefully win a championship for you guys because you deserve that.”
JC Bonilla, a sophomore for the Lackawanna College Falcons, shared the lead with Lindgren in appearances also with 16. Bonilla pitched 36.2 innings while making 3 spot starts. He posted a 2.45 earned run average, which placed him in the Top 10 in ERA in the Northwoods League. Bonilla surrendered only 25 hits all season.
“Next season I want to bring a championship to Bismarck. I feel like I owe you guys something because of the way you guys treated me and how you’re always riding behind us,” says Bonilla. He gives credit to the fans, the organization, and the one and only Clark the Lark for making last summer so memorable for him and being responsible for his return. “The atmosphere the fans create for us every day makes it exciting for us to play in front of you guys.”
“I am thrilled to have Jeff and JC return to the Larks in 2018,” says Head Coach Sean Repay, who is also returning for the Larks second season. “Not only were they 2 of our top pitchers in 2017, but both are very high character guys. The Larks are built around a certain culture and these 2 embody what that culture is all about. Jeff has been a big part of the pitching staff over at Illinois State and they expect big things out of him this season, as do we. JC had a great freshman year at Lackawanna College but has higher goals for his sophomore year. He has signed to pitch at Grambling State (D1) after this season and comes from Coach Thompson who I respect a great deal. My expectations are for these two to continue their success from last year but do it at a higher level all while representing the city of Bismarck with class.”
To ensure you get to watch these guys in action for a second season, get your Scheels 7 Game Packs at 7packs.larksbaseball.com or call the office at 701-557-7600.
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The Bismarck Larks are a proud affiliate of the Northwoods League, the proven leader in development of elite college baseball players. The Larks mission is to use FUN to make a difference in the lives of our families, businesses, players, and communities we serve. This is accomplished with a commitment to putting fans first and providing high quality family entertainment at affordable prices. In 2017, the Larks sold out 27 of their 36 home games in Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, home of Dakota Community Bank and Trust Field, and were named the Northwoods League’s Organization of the Year.
Entering its 25th anniversary season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 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 185 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champion Ben Zobrist (CHC) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (LAD) and Lucas Duda (TBR). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.