SteepleCats Sign Eagles Trio with International Flavor
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“We are very excited for all three of these guys to wear a SteepleCats uniform. D’Angelo has competed internationally and is a very polished and complete pitcher that we anticipate will be a regular starter for us every fifth day,” said McGrath. “Murrian has been their regular catcher for three seasons and not only can stop a running game with his throwing ability, but also can hit in the middle of our line-up. We are excited to have Brunetti’s athletic ability in our outfield and he can also play first base. He’s been limited a little this year because of Winthrop’s depth, but expect him to be a solid contributor to our roster.”
D’Angelo, originally from Bologna, Italy, is currently a sophomore at Winthrop. He has significantly improved as a sophomore, and is now one of Winthrop’s most dependable pitchers. So far this season, the right-hander has appeared in 14 games, made 10 starts, and has a record of 6-2 with a 3.06 ERA. He’s struck out 46 batters and held opponents to a .244 batting average in 67.2 innings of work. His 3.06 ERA is currently third best in the Big South. Also, his six wins are for fourth most in the conference, his 67.2 innings pitched are fifth most, and his opponents’ .244 batting average is fourth best. As a freshman, D’Angelo was used solely out of the bullpen. He appeared in 23 games, accumulated a record of 0-2, carried a 5.54 ERA and tallied two saves.
Prior to attending Winthrop, D’Angelo gained a great deal of experience competing on the international stage. On November 9, 2007, D’Aneglo started for Italy against Team USA in the 2007 Baseball World Cup. D’Angelo allowed two runs over three innings pitched, and Italy went on to win the game 6-2. It was the only game Team USA lost in the entire event, and it was Italy’s first win against Team USA in 21 years. Also in 2007, D’Angelo represented his country in the European Baseball Championship in Barcelona, Spain. That year, the European Baseball Championship served as the qualifying competition for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
Joining D’Angelo in North Adams this summer will be battery mate John Murrian. The Summerville, S.C. native has been a rock behind the plate for the Eagles over the past three seasons. So far this season, Murrian has played in and started 51 of Winthrop’s 52 games. He’s hitting .313 with 6 home runs and 39 RBI. He’s also walked 24 times to boost his on-base percentage to .389. He was named the Big South’s first Player of the Week this season on February 23, and was also a midseason addition to the Johnny Bench Award Watch List.
As a sophomore in 2008, Murrian hit .301, with seven home runs, nine doubles, 15 walks and 27 RBI. As a true freshman in 2007, Murrian lead the Eagles with a .336 batting average. That year he also hit two home runs, 11 doubles, and drove in 25 runs.
Rounding out the Winthrop presence in North Adams this summer will be sophomore Tony Brunetti, who is originally from Youngstown, Ohio. Brunetti has appeared in 45 games this season and has made 25 starts. He’s currently hitting .292 with eight doubles and 16 RBI. In addition to outfield, Brunetti has seen time at designated hitter and first base.
As a freshman last year, Brunetti appeared in 56 of the Eagles’ 60 games. He hit .310, with a home run and 24 RBI. His .310 batting average was fourth best on the team. At one point in the season, he had an 11-game hit streak which included a season-high three-hit game against Radford.
Opening Day is right around the corner. The SteepleCats will open up their season on Friday, June 5, in New Hampshire to take on the Keene Swamp Bats. The SteepleCats play their home opener on Saturday, June 6 against the Danbury Westerners. Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Joe Wolfe Field, and the gates will open at 6:00 p.m. For more information on the roster, schedule and other news, please visit www.steeplecats.com.
In case you haven't purchased your season ticket for the upcoming season, please visit one of these local businesses listed here to purchase your full season's ticket or 10-pack ticket. The Full Season Family Plan is $100; Full Season Individual Plan is $70; Ten-Pack Family Plan is $60; and the Ten-Pack Individual Plan is $45. Tickets are sold at all of the following locations: Adams: Val's Variety; North Adams: Man's World and Moulton's General Store; Stamford, VT: Billmont's Country Store, and in Williamstown at Angelina's Submarine Shop and St. Pierre's Barber Shop.
