A pair of Canadian-born pitchers will be relied on to eat up some innings this season for the Kelowna Falcons.
Falcons manager Brian Donohue has signed starters Niall Windeler and Brandon Marklund for the 2017 West Coast League campaign.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Windeler has made 13 appearances for the UBC Thunderbirds this season, including 11 starts, while going 4-4 with a 2.94 ERA and 57 strikeouts. The lefty and Toronto native, who also has a complete game, throws both a four- and two-seam fastball, has two breaking pitches a curve and slider and a change-up which is his ‘go-to pitch’
Marklund, a North Vancouver product, will join the Falcons via Bryan College in Washington State. Marklund has made 18 appearances, has collected a 5-5 record, a 5.54 ERA, and has 55 punch outs.
The senior-to-be throws a four- and two-seam fastball, a slider, change-up and ‘spike curve.’ Marklund can run the heater up to 93 mph and often strikes out hitters with an outstanding slider.
Marklund is not only good on the bump, but in the classroom as well. He has been honoured the last couple of seasons with an Academic All-Conference award, majoring in politics and government.
Both Canadian pitchers will be in Kelowna as the season opens next week, Friday, June 2 at Elks Stadium with the free home opener against the Port Angeles Lefties, presented by Telus.
For the Falcons 2017 schedule, visit kelownafalcons.com
