LINCOLN – The Lincoln Saltdogs announced today the signing of former Bellevue University right-handed pitcher Ben McKendall. The Saltdogs released LHP Zac Person.
McKendall comes off of a senior season in which he was named the North Star Athletic Association Pitcher of the Year after notching four complete game shutouts a 9-1 record. He struck out 103 batters over 95 innings on the way to posting a 2.18 ERA. The Los Angeles, California native was chosen as a NAIA First-Team All-American yesterday.
McKendall helped the Bruins to a 51-11 record and a trip to the NAIA Opening Round. He was a first-team Omaha World Herald NAIA all-Nebraska pick after his junior season. In 2016, he led the team in wins, ERA, strikeouts, innings pitched, shutouts and complete games. McKendall played his first two college seasons at Glendale College in California where he was first team all-conference as a sophomore.
Person pitched in 4.2 innings over six games for the Saltdogs. The LSU product was 0-2 with a 9.64 ERA. He struck out two batters compared to seven walks. The lefty signed with the Saltdogs on April 4, 2017.
The Saltdogs are in action tonight at Haymarket Park against the Sioux Falls Canaries. The team won their last four home games via walk-off hits. First pitch is at 6:45 PM and coverage begins at 6:15 PM on ESPN 1480 and saltdogs.com.
The home opener for the Lincoln Saltdogs is Thursday, May 25th at Haymarket Park against the Cleburne Railroaders. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling (402) 474-2255 or visiting Saltdogs.com. For the latest information on the Saltdogs follow the team on Facebook and Twitter/Instagram @saltdogsball.