Wild Things Come to Terms with Right-Handed Pitcher Dillon Sunnafrank, Place Sabol on Disabled List
WASHINGTON, Pa. (August 13) - Today the Wild Things announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Dillon Sunnafrank, who played his college ball at nearby Wheeling Jesuit University, and has played parts of two seasons in pro ball.
In a corresponding move, right hander BJ Sabol was placed on the 60-Day Disabled List.
The newly-turned 24-year old, who is celebrating his birthday today, played in 2017 for the Salina Stockade of the American Association and pitched in 14 games for the team. He's played for three teams already in 2018: Lincoln in the American Association, Salina (now in Can-Am League) and Hollywood of the Can-Am League. In total, Sunnafrank appeared in 10 games between the three teams, and in the limited action, struck out nine batters in 11 innings.
"We look at Dillon’s experience in both the CanAm and American Association and believe he can be a competitive piece for us down the stretch," said assistant general manager of team operations Tony Buccilli. "He has pitched different roles and we are excited to see how he responds to the environment here. Dillon has worked very hard to pitch professionally, after being a two-way guy at Wheeling Jesuit. I’m sure the Ohio Valley community will be fully supportive of his efforts here.”
Sunnafrank was a two-way player at Wheeling Jesuit for the Cardinals for all four seasons he played there. As a freshman, he made nine appearances and one start, and posted a 2-1 record in 11.2 innings pitched, striking out 12. In his sophomore season, he hit .358 at the plate with four home runs and 22 RBI, but was good on the mound as well, posting a 4-1 record with a 3.96 ERA in 14 appearances (four starts). He tossed 36.1 innings that season and allowed 43 hits and struck out 39.
As a junior at WJU, Sunnafrank finished with the team's second-best batting average at .322, and started all 43 games. On the mound, he logged 62.1 innings on his way to a 3.61 ERA and four complete games. He lasted at least five innings in nine of his 11 starts. As a senior, he pitched 19.1 innings and allowed just 11 runs and seven walks, while fanning 26 opposing batters.
BJ Sabol was placed on the 60-Day Disabled List in a corresponding move. Sabol had appeared in 11 games and spun 13 innings with 14 strikeouts for Washington in 2018.
Sunnafrank will be active immediately and available for use by Gregg Langbehn in the upcoming road trip to Traverse City and Windy City. Wednesday's doubleheader game one in Traverse City is slated for 5:05 p.m.
