Wenatchee AppleSox Baseball Club

The AppleSox are going back to the future with the latest addition to their roster. The University of Portland is sending right-handed pitcher Owen Jones, who is returning to the AppleSox after playing for the team in 2008, and left-handed pitcher Keeler Brynteson.

“We have had a lot of players from the University of Portland over the years and it is a relationship we really value,” said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs. “The program has really done well the last few years and we are excited about the caliber of the pitchers they are sending us this summer.”

Jones is rejoining the AppleSox after two years away from the team, a rarity in summer collegiate baseball. The redshirt junior from Edmonds was one of the most consistent pitchers for the AppleSox in 2008, being named All-WCL honorable mention and helping the team reach the WCL Championship Series. He went 3-3 with a 2.72 ERA, the lowest on the team for a starter that season. He spent last summer with the Green Bay Bullfrogs of the Northwoods League, going 6-3 with a 2.70 ERA. He is 2-3 for the Pilots this season with a 5.55 ERA.

“Owen was great for us in 2008 and we are really thrilled to have him back. He had such a great experience with us that he wanted return to Wenatchee,” said Knaggs. “He is a very competitive guy on the mound and the type of player you love to have on your team.”

Brynteson, a junior from Anacortes, leads the Pilots in appearances with sixteen. He has a 7.11 ERA and has not factored in a decision this season. He also played along with Jones on the Green Bay Bullfrogs in the Northwoods League last summer, where he led the league in appearances with 33 and was 0-2 with a 3.82 ERA.

“He is a very resilient pitcher and we will use him a lot this summer,” said Knaggs. “He will be coming out of the bullpen for us, but he could see an occasional spot start.”

The AppleSox open the 2011 season June 3rd with a three-game home series against the Kitsap BlueJackets. Tickets are available now at www.applesox.com or by calling (509) 665-6900.

Pictures:

Photographs of Owen Jones and Keeler Brynteson are courtesy of the University of Portland Sports Information Department.