712.277.WINS (9467)

SIOUX CITY, IA – When the Sioux City Explorers  report for spring training in early May in preparation for the 2015 season, 1B/OF Ino Patron and RHP Ryan Zimmerman will be two more players that will be vying for a spot on this summer’s squad. With their signings, the X’s now have six pitchers and four position players signed to 2015 contracts.

Patron, a Livermore, California native, played his collegiate baseball at Long Beach State (2011-2014) and finished his career by etching his name into the Long Beach State Dirtbags record books.  Ino finished his career at LBSU third all-time in hits (238), first in games started (220), and second in career at-bats (814).  In his senior year, the left-handed hitting Patron hit a team high .308 while collecting 70 hits in 60 games and contributed 13 doubles, 3 triples, and 3 home runs to go along with 36 RBI’s. The 2015 season will mark Ino’s first season of professional baseball.

The 2015 season will mark the third year of professional baseball for Ryan Zimmerman.  Zimmerman hails from Fremont, California and was drafted in the 30^th round of the 2010 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks out of Northwestern State University in Louisiana. He signed with the D’Backs but never appeared in a game due to injury. With Northwestern State University, the 6’1” right-hander started for the squad in 2009 and 2010. Over the two seasons, he appeared in 37 games, starting 24 contests, and posted a 9-8 record with a 4.44 earned run average. He struck out 127 batters, while allowing only 55 free passes, in 158 innings pitched.

In 2013, Zimmerman split the season between the Alexandria and Edinburg franchises in the United Baseball League.  On the year, Zimmerman started 11 games and posted a 5-3 record to go along with a 4.14 ERA.  Zimmerman spent the entire 2014 season with the Rockford Aviators of the Independent Frontier league and in 21 starts; Ryan compiled a 9-6 record and a 3.20 ERA in 112.1 innings of work.  In his two year professional career, Zimmerman holds a 14-9 record and a 3.54 ERA while averaging 7.0 strikeouts per nine innings.

“Ino is a young kid that comes from a very good college program where he has hit every year there and we are excited to see what he can do with us this summer. Zimmerman had a good year this past season in the Frontier league and all reports we have received is he has the ability to be successful in the American Association as well,” mentioned field manager Steve Montgomery. “We are excited to see each of these two in spring training.”

In other team news, the Sioux City Explorers have traded INF Andres Perez to the York Revolution of the Independent Atlantic league in exchange for future considerations.

The 2015 Home Opener is only 104 days away...Group reservations are now being accepted for all 50 home games, including the 2015 home opener on Thursday, May 21 versus the Sioux Falls Canaries.  Reserve your fun in the sun by calling 712-277-WINS (9467)!!