(Mankato, MN)—The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of two pitchers for the 2006 staff. Freshman Jason Novak from UCLA, and freshman Tom Porter from Elon University, have both committed to play for the ’Dogs this season.
Novak, at 6’1” 185 pounds, shows great stature and poise while on the mound for being just a freshman. As one of the main arms used out of the Bruins bullpen already this season, Novak has appeared in 10 games, and seen 17.1 innings of work. With a strike out to walk ratio of 5-1, Novak has proven he has great command of multiple pitches and isn’t afraid to use them.
As a four-year letter winner at Agoura High School, in Agoura Hills, Calif., Novak compiled numerous accolades in his high school career. In 2005 he was named to the Los Angeles Daily News Bernie Mulligan All-Star team, the Ventura County All-Star team and earned Second-Team All-Marmonte League honors.
"Jason comes to us on high recommendations but also with high expectations. We plan on using him out of the bullpen to get us out of some tight situations and to shut down opposing hitters,” MoonDogs head coach Jason Nell said.
Porter is another young arm that will help bolster the MoonDogs bullpen this summer. This season he is being used on a regular basis splitting time as Elon’s closer. Having already recorded 3 saves on the year, he is tied for the team lead in appearances out of the bullpen with eight.
The Huntersville, N.C. native was a three-time All Conference winner while at North Mecklenburg High School, helping lead the team to two league titles and a conference co-title over his last three seasons. Porter will be the third member from Elon to play with the MoonDogs this summer, as returning members Ryan Addison and Robert Rodebaugh have both already committed as well.
"Tom is another young guy that has a huge upside and we feel can really help us this year. Currently he’s a closer at Elon, but has the versatility to fill a multitude of roles for the MoonDogs” Nell said.
IN OTHER MOONDOGS NEWS:
In UCLA’s weekend sweep of the North Carolina State Wolfpack (March 3-6), two other MoonDogs turned in notable performances. Freshman shortstop Brandon Crawford continued his offensive barrage knocking out four extra-base hits, including his first collegiate homerun, while also scoring five runs.
The 2005 MoonDogs staff ace, Tyson Brummett, completely shutdown the Wolfpack attack on Sunday March 6, as he threw eight innings, striking out a season high 12 batters and allowed only one run on six hits.
The MoonDogs Home Opener is set for June 2, 2006 against the Waterloo Bucks. If you don’t want to miss that game or any MoonDogs action this summer, season tickets are on sale now as well as group and hospitality tickets. For more information go to www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs ticket office at 507-625-7047.
Mankato MoonDogs– Baseball Unleashed!
