FORMER PANTHER, AARON CRESSLEY, PROMOTED TO FORT WAYNE TIN CAPS

Former University of Pittsburgh at Bradford standout pitcher Aaron Cressley has been promoted to the Fort Wayne Tin Caps (Class A affiliate of the San Diego Padres).

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to get a second chance to prove myself in Fort Wayne,” Cressley said. “I really think the game sped up on me, which led to some early season struggles. I’ve got my confidence back and I know what to expect the second time around.”

This will be Cressley’s second stint with Fort Wayne this season. After struggling to locate his pitches in his first eight appearances of the season, he went back down to Tri-City and dominated in four showings out of the Dust Devils’ bullpen.

Cressley was called up following a terrific start for the short-season affiliate Tri-City Dust Devils. The right-hander tossed five shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out four and not surrendering a walk in four appearances.

“When I went back down to Tri-City, I really worked on getting ahead of hitters and locating my fastball and I think I’m really throwing the ball well now,” Cressley said. “My goal is to get ahead of hitters and stay ahead, so they have to chases some pitches they don’t necessarily want to swing at.”

The 2015 season marks Cressley’s second year in pro ball. He spent all of last season pitching for the Eugene Emeralds in the Northwest League. He posted a 2-1 record with a 3.60 ERA in 21 appearances, which included two starts. He struck out 29 while surrendering just 14 earned runs over 25 innings.

Cressley was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 26^th round after being tabbed the third best NCAA Division III prospect in the country by Perfect Game in 2014. Crossley finished the 2014 season with a 5-4 record and 2.75 ERA in nine starts. He led the team with 76 strikeouts over 52.1 innings on the bump.

Brett Butler, Pitt-Bradford head baseball coach and assistant athletic director, is confident his former ace will have success in Fort Wayne.

“I am very happy for Cress and his promotion to long season A ball. He worked very hard in the off season to improve his abilities and to become a better professional.  He is experiencing the highs and lows that come with minor league ball, and he is adjusting very well,” Butler said. “I continue to be proud of him and all of his accomplishments. Most of all, because is a very solid young man -- baseball aside. I hope he has more promotions coming in the San Diego system. If he sets his mind to it, he will.  There is not much he cannot accomplish when he sets his mind to it.”