HORNET BASEBALL ANNOUNCES 14 SIGNEES FOR 2010

July 2, 2009 -- Emporia State head baseball coach Bob Fornelli has announced the signing of 14 players to attend ESU and play baseball for the Hornets in the 2010 season.

David Allbritton is a 6-6 catcher from Barton County CC and a native of Shreveport, La. An All-Jayhawk League selection he hit .401 with eight home runs, 47 RBI and 50 runs scored.

Spencer Blades is a 6-2 left handed pitcher from Barton County CC and a native of Liberty, Mo. He went 5-3 with a 4.35 ERA last season for the Cougers while striking out 47 hitters.

Zack Carlson 6-2 infielder from New Mexico University and a native of Topeka, Kan. A redshirt for the Lobos he was a two-time All-State performer at Topeka Seaman HS. He is the younger brother of former Hornet Nick Carlson and nephew of ESU Hall of Honor member Mike Carlson.

Michael Cotter is a 6-6 right handed pitcher from Barton County CC and a native of Overland Park, Kan. He went 5-5 with a 6.14 ERA last season with 65 strikeouts for the Cougars.

Matthew Dahms is a 6-1 catcher from Coffeyville CC and a native of Kansas City, Mo. He hit .289 with three home runs and 30 RBI for the Ravens last season.

J.D. Herman is a 6-0 infielder from Butler County CC and is a native of Omaha, Neb. An All-Jayhawk League performer he hit .326 with eight home runs, 48 RBI and 16 doubles.

Tyler Herrig is a 6-1 outfielder from Florida Atlantic University and a native of Leavenworth, Kan. Had a .318 on-base percentage for the Owls, and was an All-Jayhawk League performer at Allen County CC.

Jake Hosey is a 6-1 right handed pitcher from Allen County CC and a native of Topeka, Kan. A second team All-Region performer he was 11-1 with a 3.13 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 78 innings pitched.

Tyler Knight is a 6-2 outfielder from Sam Houston State University and a native of Lawrence, Kan. He hit .346 with seven home runs and 55 RBI for the Bearkats.

Jake Martin is a 6-2 left handed pitcher from Mid-America Nazarene University and a native of Shawnee, Kan. He was 2-5 last season with a 6.96 ERA and 31 strikeouts and one save for the Pioneers.

Drew Smith is a 6-3 right handed pitcher from Barton County CC and a native of Eaton, Colo. He went 3-2 last season with a 2.76 ERA and 12 saves while striking out 47 for the Cougars.

Jordan Welch is a 6-1 infielder from Central Heights High School and a native of Princeton, Kan. He earned All-State honors for the Vikings last season.

Drew Wilkinson is a 6-2 outfielder from Hutchinson CC and a native of Manhattan, Kan. He hit .292 for the Blue Dragons last season with seven home runs.

"It's a very strong class, if they can fit well with the returners we have a chance to have a good club," said Fornelli.

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