WOU

MONMOUTH, Ore. - The consensus All-American and 2009 Major League Baseball draftee Blake Keitzman has decided to return to Western Oregon University for his senior season.

Keitzman was the second pick in the 15th round (No. 443 overall) of the MLB draft by the Seattle Mariners after posting a 2.08 ERA and striking out 92 batters in 86.1 innings while going a perfect 9-0 in his lone season with the Wolves. He was also named to all three NCAA Division II All-American teams which included a first team selection by the Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association.

"We are very excited to get Blake back," said Western Oregon head coach Jeremiah Robbins. "He has a plan for his life and wants to complete his degree, and we support him in that."

With the return of Keitzman, WOU will bring back three of its four starting pitchers which led the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in earned run average by well over a run. "To have our No. 1 returning is exciting for both him and our pitching staff," continued Robbins. "He will provide our team with leadership, having already been through the battles and we are looking forward to seeing him pitch healthy for the first time."

Next year's staff is expected to be anchored by Keitzman but he will also have support from 2009 All-GNAC first team performers Jacob Pettit and Kirk Lind along, with 2008 first team selection Mike Ward and honorable mention Mike Cusick, who both red-shirted in 2009.