Plenty of Canadians Coming To MJ

The Moose Jaw Miller Express will be fielding a wealth of Canadian talent for the 2015 Western Major Baseball League Season. Position players Ryan Thrasher (C), Ty Russell (1B), and Levi Moon (Utility), along with pitchers Dolan Kunkel (RHP) and Kyle Sonntag (RHP) have committed to the Millers for the upcoming season.

Thrasher, 5’11 200lbs, is from Sherwood Park, Alberta and currently playing at Marshalltown Community College. As of April 20, he has five doubles, three homeruns, 17 RBI’s, and a .221 batting average in 29 games.

“Thrasher is a stabilizing force behind the plate for the pitching staff and will provide a big bat to the middle of the lineup. He’s a grinder and will fit in nicely with the hard working mentality of Miller baseball,” said Millers Coach Michael Hunt.

Russell, 6’0 190lbs, is from Victoria, BC and currently playing at Alabama A&M, and is the younger brother of former Miller Austin Russell. As of April 20, he has two doubles, two homeruns, seven RBI’s, .203 batting average, and .912 fielding percentage in 22 games. “Ty is a typical left handed power first baseman and will provide jump in the middle of the order as well and brings the same savvy and baseball IQ as his brother,” commented Hunt.

Moon, 6’0 215lbs, hails from Red Deer, Alberta and is attending Niagara County Community College. In five games this season, he has one double, four RBI’s, and a .300 batting average. “Levi brings a quality glove, grit, and is very versatile which will be a valuable asset throughout the summer,” said Hunt.

Sonntag is from Saskatoon and currently playing at the University of Calgary. As of April 20, he has a 1-3 record in four starts (he also has two complete games), in 29.2 innings pitched he has eleven strikeouts and 12 walks. Last season with Saskatoon he appeared in 17 games and had 18 strikeouts and eight walks in 29.1 innings.

“Kyle is a veteran of the WMBL, having played previously for the Saskatoon Yellow Jackets. He’s a solid, reliable arm out of the bullpen and can fill in as a starter when needed,” said Hunt. “We’re pleased to have him in a Millers uniform this year rather than having to face him this year.”

Kunkel, 6’2 175lbs, is from Saskatoon and currently playing at Salem International University. As of April 20 he has started eight games and appeared in nine, he’s posted a 2-7 record with 31 strikeouts and 16 walks in 44.1 innings.

“Dolan is a top of the rotation starter at Division 2 Salem International as a freshman and has a bright college future ahead of him. He will be a spot starter and reliever for us, and we’re happy the Team Saskatchewan product chose to stay in Canada to play in the WMBL this summers as a Miller,” Hunt said.

Thrasher, Russell, Moon, Kunkel, and Sonntag are all expected to be with the Miller Express when they open the 2015 WMBL regular season May 29 in Swift Current. Moose Jaw’s home opener is Sunday, May 31 against Regina at 7pm. For season ticket information call 306.691.1402.