The AppleSox will be well represented by in-state schools this summer with the latest additions to the team’s pitching staff. Washington State University left-handed pitcher Bryce Jackson, Wenatchee Valley College left-handed pitcher Mitch Yada, and Seattle University right-handed pitcher Blaine Jones have signed to play in Wenatchee.

“There is so much talent throughout our state and we are fortunate to have these high caliber baseball programs provide us with players,” said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs.

The additions from Washington State University and Seattle University combined with the previous signings from the University of Washington and Gonzaga means for the first time in team history the AppleSox will have at least one player from all four of the state’s Division I baseball programs.

Jackson was a two-year captain at Southridge High School in Kennewick. He was named co-MVP of the Columbia Basin Big Nine as a senior after hitting .447 and recording a 3.10 ERA. He has appeared in seven games on the mound for WSU this season with a 2.84 ERA. The freshman has a twin brother Ty, who is also a member of the Cougar baseball team.

“He had some arm tenderness at the beginning of the school season, but we expect him to be healthy and ready to go this summer,” said Knaggs.

Yada is in his first season at Wenatchee Valley College after a successful prep career at Moses Lake High School. The southpaw has been dealing with a lower back injury this spring, limiting his availability for the Knights.

“The WVC coaches raved about him,” said Knaggs. “We love it anytime we can get a player from our own backyard.”

Jones will be the first ever Seattle University Redhawk to play for the AppleSox. The school revived their baseball program in 2010 after dropping it in 1986. He will come to Wenatchee with West Coast League experience, having pitched in three games for the Bend Elks in 2010. The redshirt junior from Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., has a 1.59 ERA this season in seven appearances for the Redhawks.

“The Seattle University coaching staff has ties to our league and they have done a great job of reviving that program in a short amount of time,” said Knaggs.

The AppleSox open the 2012 season on the road against the Bellingham Bells on June 1^st. The team will return to Paul Thomas Sr. Field to start a six-game homestand beginning with the home opener on June 5^th against the Bend Elks.

Picture:

Attached photographs of Bryce Jackson and Blaine Jones are courtesy of the WSU and Seattle University Sports Information Departments. The attached photograph of Mitch Yada is courtesy of the Wenatchee Valley College Athletic Department.