Lefty Pease heading to San Diego

February 23, 2011|By Jenn Bates | Eyewitness Sports

{WICHITA, Kan.) — Former Wichita Wingnuts left-handed pitcher Dustin Pease has been signed by the San Diego Padres organization.

Pease was one of the top relief pitchers in the American Association in 2010, setting a league record with 54 appearances, while posting a 6-1 record with a 2.46 ERA. Pease struck out 64 batters in 55.0 IP, and held opponents to a .222 batting average. Over his final 30 games, the Baltimore, MD native pitched to a 0.98 ERA.

"This is what it is all about and is why I do what I do", said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "I can't describe the feeling as a manager when one of our former guys gets a chance to play affiliated ball for the first time."

The sidearming-lefty proved durable throughout the year. In addition to leading the league in appearances, Pease pitched in four or more consecutive games on five separate occassions. From July 4th-20th, Pease compiled 11 consecutive scoreless innings over 11 games. Pease was named the Wingnuts' Pitcher of the Year at the end of the season.

"This is a well deserved promotion for a guy that was a huge piece of our success last season", said Hooper. "I really hope Dustin gets a fair chance with the Padres this Spring Training. Dustin wanted the ball every night and we pretty much gave it to him as often as we could. I am awful proud of him, and our whole organization wishes him nothing but the best. He will definitely be missed this year here in Wichita!"

Pease has spent each of his first four professional seasons in independent baseball. Prior to joining the Wingnuts, Pease ranked third in the Frontier League with 12 wins in 2009, serving as both a starter and reliever for the Windy City Thunderbolts. The 25-year old spent two years in the Northern League with the Winnipeg Goldeyes, pitching to a 3.19 ERA.

Following his season with the Wingnuts, Pease was traded to the Atlantic League's York Revolution. Pease tossed a scoreless inning in the clinching game of the Atlantic League Championship Series, which York won in three games over Bridgeport.

Pease is expected to report to Double-A camp at the Padres' Spring Training complex in Arizona next week.

The Wingnuts open the 2011 season on May 12th at Amarillo. Wichita's 2011 home opener is Friday, May 20th versus the El Paso Diablos.

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