ESU signs another closer
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Emporia State coach Bob Fornelli now has two solid options to choose from to replace closer Diego Soto.
Fornelli signed a second closer on Tuesday, adding Kyle Rosine from Hutchinson Community College, the 15th player in Emporia State’s recruiting class.
Rosine was 1-2 with nine saves and a 2.49 ERA last season at Hutchinson. He ranked 11th in the NJCAA in saves, held opponents to a .194 average and had 32 strikeouts in just 25 1/3 innings.
Rosine was a first-team All-Jayhawk Conference selection and earned second-team All-Region VI honors.
Rosine will battle with Drew Smith for the closer job next season. Smith had 12 saves, 47 strikeouts and a 2.76 ERA as closer for Barton County Community College last season.
“Rosine gives us two good closers in this class along with Drew Smith,” Fornelli said. “They will both get an opportunity to pitch.”
Rosine, a Knob Noster, Mo., native, is the second Hutchinson player to sign with the Hornets this offseason, joining Hutchinson outfielder Drew Wilkinson. He is also familiar with one of the Hornets’ top pitchers. Rosine and current Hornet Ben Graham helped the Warrensburg Post 131 win the Missouri Legion state championship in 2006.