LINCOLN — The Saltdogs added a key cog to their starting rotation Thursday, signing LHP Matt Bywater, a former Pepperdine standout and Orioles farmhand.
Bywater, a 23-year old from Thousand Oaks, Calif., posted a 3.63 ERA with 117 strikeouts in 129 innings over his two seasons in the Baltimore organization.
In 2012 he pitched at three minor league levels, highlighted by a start for Double-A Bowie where he tossed five scoreless, two-hit innings to earn the victory.
After garnering consecutive All-West Coast Conference First Team honors, Bywater was selected by the Orioles in the seventh round of the 2010 MLB draft out of Pepperdine University.
As a junior for the Waves, Bywater notched a 2.40 ERA and led the NCAA by throwing four shutouts.
We’re running a MLB Opening Week Special on tickets to the Saltdogs Opening Night at Haymarket Park (May 23): 1 Home Run Terrace ticket plus All-you-can-eat Fairbury Brand Hot Dogs for just $12.50! Visit www.saltdogs.com for more information or call 402-474-2255 to order, the special ends April 5!