April 12, 2008

By Tyler Koonce, Baseball Contact

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - Southeast baseball added right-handed pitcher John Salazar (La Palma, Calif./Golden West CC) Friday. He signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Redhawks beginning with the 2009 season. Salazar is a right-handed pitcher from Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Calif.

"We're excited to sign John," head coach Mark Hogan said. "He's a strike thrower with great location."

Salazar is 5-3 with a 4.59 ERA in 12 starts this season, including one shutout. In 68.2 innings pitched, he has 65 strikeouts and has allowed only 35 earned runs and seven walks.

"He could be a front line guy for us," Hogan said.

At Golden West, Salazar was a teammate of current Redhawks left fielder Justin Wheeler (Lakewood, Calif./Golden West CC).

"I'm really excited about coming to Southeast Missouri," Salazar said. "The school and the baseball program in Cape is exactly what I've been hoping for - a great fit! I'm also very impressed with how the whole community supports the team. I'm looking forward to making a contribution."