July 25, 2009
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State baseball alums continue to enjoy tremendous success in the professional ranks. A recent highlight came from San Jose Giants (high-A) pitcher Craig Clark, who tied his second record of the season, this after tying a California League mark with 10 consecutive strikeouts in early June.
The date was June 2 when Clark stole the show against the Stockton Ports with his 10 straight strikeouts to set a team record while tying the league mark. This Wednesday (July 22), Clark pitched seven strong innings against the Visalia Rawhide to earn his 11th win of the season. It was also his 10th consecutive victory to tie a team record. Clark, who is among the league leaders with 11 wins, a 3.07 ERA and 106 strikeouts, hasn't lost since May 7.
Scott Kelley, a Kansas City Royals draft pick this past June, owns an impressive 1.65 ERA in 16.1 innings for the short-season A Burlington Royals. His best outing came last time out on July 20 when he tossed 4.1 hitless innings against current league leader Elizabethton. He hasn't allowed an earned run in six of his first eight appearances in his young career.
David Aardsma who pitched in Happy Valley one season, has continued to impress as the Seattle Mariners closer. The hard-throwing righty has inched up the American Leagues saves list, with his 24 now good for fifth, only trailing 2009 All-Stars Brian Fuentes, Mariano Rivera, Joe Nathan, and Jonathan Papelbon. He has a whopping 55 strikeouts in 46 innings and hasn't allowed a run in nine games. He hasn't even allowed a hit in seven contests, spanning six consecutive hitless innings.
Three former Nittany Lions are in AAA, highlighted by the resurgence of former ace Nate Bump, who is making a hard push for a return to the big leagues after signing with the Toledo Mudhens (Detroit Tigers) in early July. In his three starts thus far, he has two wins with a 2.21 ERA. He only allowed one run in his first 14.1 innings, both wins (over Louisville and Indianapolis). Bump's big league career is highlighted by a World Series ring in his rookie season with the 2003 World Champion Florida Marlins.
Also in AAA are Clayton Hamilton, with the Oklahoma City RedHawks (Texas Rangers) and Sean Stidfole with the Las Vegas 51s (Toronto Blue Jays). Hamilton has no record and a 4.44 ERA while Stidfole is 2-1 with a 4.23 ERA.
Scott Gaffney of the Dayton Dragons (Cincinnati Reds) and Drew O'Neil (Chicago White Sox) of the Kannapolis Intimidators are both in single-A. Gaffney was recently placed on the disabled list, but has impressed up to this point with a 3.18 ERA and four saves. He's also struck out nearly a batter an inning with 38 K's in 39.1 IP. Meanwhile, O'Neil's ERA stands at 2.72 in 27 games out of the bullpen. He has only allowed one earned run in his last 7.2 innings, spanning five appearances.
Ever since joining the Washington Nationals' New York Penn League team Vermont, Gary Amato has pitched effectively in posting a 1.98 ERA in 13.2 innings out of the bullpen. He hasn't allowed an earned run in any of his previous four outings, spanning his last seven innings. He's held batters to only a .242 batting average while racking up 10 strikeouts.
Cory Wine, son of head baseball coach Robbie Wine, is also in action with the Gulf Coast League Phillies. He has five RBIs in 39 at bats, while walking nine times for an impressive .373 on base percentage.
Matt Cavagnaro and Mike Lorentson are also playing professionally, with independent league teams, the Long Island Ducks (Atlantic League) and New Jersey Jackals (Can-Am League), respectively.
Be sure to check back to GoPSUsports.com throughout the summer for more updates on Penn State alums playing professionally and current Nittany Lions playing in summer leagues around the nation.
Complete List
MLB
David Aardsma - Seattle Mariners
AAA
Nate Bump - Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit Tigers)
Clayton Hamilton - Oklahoma City RedHawks (Texas Rangers)
Sean Stidfole - Las Vegas 51s (Toronto Blue Jays)
High A
Craig Clark - San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants)
A
Scott Gaffney - Dayton Dragons (Cincinnati Reds)
Drew O'Neil - Kannapolis Intimidators (Chicago White Sox)
Short-Season A
Gary Amato - Vermont Lake Monsters (Washington Nationals)
Scott Kelley - Burlington Royals (Kansas City Royals)
Gulf Coast League (Rookie)
Cory Wine - GCL Phillies
Independent League
Matt Cavagnaro - Long Island Ducks (Atlantic League)
Mike Lorentson - New Jersey Jackals (Can-Am League)