WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts signed Emporia State right-hander Diego Soto on Tuesday.
Soto made his professional debut during the Wingnuts' 8-3 win over the Pensacola Pelicans. After walking the first two hitters he faced, Soto picked up a strikeout and then escaped the jam by inducing a double play groundball.
The 22-year old led the Hornets this Spring with 12 saves, helping Emporia State reach the Division-II National Championship game. Originally from Tucson, AZ, Soto fanned 48 hitters in 42.1 innings during his senior season. Soto played two seasons at Cochise Community College before joining the Hornets in 2008.
Soto was a college teammate of Wingnuts' catcher Michael Sharp. Including pitcher Gabe Medina, the Wingnuts now have three Emporia State alumni on their roster. To make room for Soto, the Wingnuts released left-hander Julio Torres.
The Wingnuts finish their series with Pensacola this afternoon at 12:05 p.m. Beginning Friday, Wichita heads out on a 16-game road trip over 17 days when the 75th annual NBC World Series takes place at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. For tickets, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.
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