WICHITA, KS- Former Wichita Wingnuts' right-handed pitcher Will Savage had his contract purchased by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization on Wednesday.
Savage was a key component of the Wingnuts' league leading pitching staff, finishing with the fourth best ERA in the American Association at 2.94. The 25-year old also ranked fifth in the league in both innings pitched (125.1) and starts (19). Savage never missed a turn in the rotation after pitching exclusively in relief during the first three years of his career.
On June 23rd, Savage pitched his way into the record books by tossing a no-hitter over the Sioux City Explorers. The former Oklahoma Sooner fanned seven during the gem, including four over the final two innings, in what was just the second no-hitter in league history. Most noteworthy was the fact that Savage accomplished the feat in a 1-0 win.
The West Hills, CA native worked into the sixth inning in 17 of his 19 starts and allowed three or fewer earned runs in 15 of them. In addition to the no-hitter, Savage also earned key victories in the Wingnuts' first half championship clincher on June 28th versus St. Paul and Game One of the Division Series on September 1st versus Lincoln.
Savage was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 26th round in 2006 out of Oklahoma and reached Double-A with Reading in 2008. Savage quarterbacked his junior college football team to a championship in 2003 and was part of two championship teams in the Phillies' organization in 2006 and 2007.
Savage, who resides in Oklahoma City, becomes the second player in Wingnuts' history to be picked up by a Major League organization. Dustan Mohr was purchased by the Colorado Rockies in May of 2008.
The Wingnuts open the 2010 season on the road, taking on the St. Paul Saints May 13th-15th at Midway Stadium. Wichita's home opener is May 18th versus Sioux Falls. Season tickets and packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS.
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