Spencer Patton Promoted By Royals to Double A

Former SIUE baseball pitcher Spencer Patton (Kinmundy, Ill.) has been promoted by the Kansas City Royals and will report to double-A Northwest Arkansas later this week.

"I'm definitely excited to get there and see what double-A is all about," Patton said. "I'm excited to be closer to home and have the chance to have family and friends see me play."

The right-hander began the 2013 season in Wilmington in the Carolina League. In 25 appearances (23 in relief) for the single-A club Patton was 5-2 with a 2.10 earned run average. In 64.1 innings, he piled up 76 strikeouts compared to just 20 walks, and has allowed only 49 hits.

"I've never pitched out of the bullpen in my life until now," Patton added. "For whatever reason the relief role suits me in pro ball."

Patton, who was drafted by the Royals in the 24th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball first year player draft, was the first SIUE player drafted since Clay Zavada in 2006. Zavada went on to make 49 Major League appearances.

Patton was 13-10 in his career in a Cougar uniform. He struck out 201 hitters in 172.2 innings, leaving him sixth in school history in career strikeouts. His career average of 10.48 strikeouts per nine innings is second best in a career.