Saltdogs Announce Starter for Openning Weekend

Left-handed Pitcher Michael Kesten has been named the Saltdogs starter for Friday night's opening game with the Sioux Falls Canaries in Sioux Falls, SD. "It's an honor to take the mound to start the season," Kesten said. "I feel comfortable and ready to get out there and win with this great team we have."

Kesten, 6'3" and 225 pounds, is a Bellflower, California native. His career totals in six seasons of professional baseball include a record of 16-23 with an ERA of 3.87. He has 288 strike-outs and 161 walks in 297 1/3 innings of pitching. Kesten was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Seattle Mariners in 1999.

Friday's game is set for 7:05 pm at Sioux Falls Stadium. Saltdogs radio broadcasts will begin a half hour before the start of each game. Len Clark and John Baylor will bring the action to the Lincoln area on 1240 am KFOR.

RHP Gary Hogan is expected to start game two of the Sioux Falls series and Lincoln native Brian Rodaway (LHP) is scheduled to pitch on Sunday in the final game against the Canaries. "(Pitching coach Jim Allen) has brought a new look to the pitching staff," Kesten said. "He got us into shape in a short amount of time. It is all about mechanics."

The 2005 home opener is set for May 23rd against the Winnipeg Goldeyes at 7:05 pm at Haymarket Park. For tickets call 474-BALL.

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