Wingnuts Add Control Artist, Face Prospect Tonight

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts made their first in-season roster move of 2009, signing right-handed pitcher Adam Cowart.

A former 35th round draft pick of the Giants in 2005, Cowart joins the Wingnuts with a career record of 34-17 and a 2.80 ERA.

After finishing at Kansas State University in 2006, Cowart won his first 10 decisions in pro ball, en route to a 10-1 record and a 1.08 ERA, best in the Northwest League.  The Houston, TX native earned a promotion to the South Atlantic A-ball League in 2007, and went 14-7 with a 2.39 ERA that ranked third.

Cowart reached AA for the first time in 2008, going 8-7 for the Connecticut Defenders in the Eastern League.  After a slow start in the rotation, the sidearmer was moved to the bullpen where he thrived in his new role.  Cowart, pitching in relief for the first time in his pro career, posted a 1.37 ERA in nine relief outings, spanning 19.2 innings and bringing his season ERA down to 3.76.

Cowart has been a control artist throughout his career, having struck out 231 hitters while walking only 70 in 408.1 innings pitched.  Cowart has walked two or fewer batters in 82 of his 84 career outings, and in 64 of 66 starts.  To make room for Cowart, the Wingnuts released rookie left-hander Nathan Parker who appeared in four games.

The Wingnuts continue their series tonight against the St. Paul Saints at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.  Wichita will be facing the Saints' Tanner Scheppers, the 48th overall pick in the 2008 draft and an expected first round pick next month.  For tickets, call the Wingnuts office at (316) 264-4625.

-Wingnuts-