Feb. 6, 2013

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - University of Maryland Eastern Shore head baseball coach Pedro Swann will have six freshmen on the team for the 2013 season, bolstering the pitching and infield ranks.

Of the six, four will serve primarily as pitchers for the team, while the other two will man the left side of the infield.

"This class is going to greatly help our team," says Swann, "I am excited to see these players grow and develop as their careers progress."

J.P. Black - RHP - R/R - Elkton, Md. - North East H.S.
Black joins the Maroon and Gray after being an all-around athlete at North East High School. He lettered in baseball, soccer and cross country with the Indians, serving as a relief pitcher for the school. He also is a strong student, graduating in the top five percent of his class.

"He is a very hard working guy, he gives you 100% everyday. He has very good command of his pitches, especially his changeup, and I see him as a middle relief/setup guy and a future starter."

Connor Breslin - IF - R/R - Saylorsburg, Pa. - Pius X H.S.
Breslin comes to Princess Anne after a strong career at Pius X High School and is expected to compete in the left side of the infield. Batting .416 in his senior year, he competed with the Lehigh Valley Baseball Academy and helped the Royals win a pair of district championships.

"He is one of our best defensive infielders with great hands and a cannon for an arm. He will develop his hitting and he has great upside."

James DiBuo - RHP - R/R - Bishopville, Md. - Stephen Decatur H.S.
DiBuo remains on the Eastern Shore to play for UMES, serving as a pitcher for Stephen Decatur High School. Earning sportsmanship awards in his sophomore and junior years, he also played for American Legion Post 94 in summer ball.

Mike Escanilla - IF - S/R - Waldorf, Md. - North Point H.S.
Escanilla will fight for a place on the left side of the UMES infield after being one of the top players in southern Maryland. Helping North Point High School finish ranked 18th in the state last year, he finished as an all-county player the last three years and earned all-conference honors as a senior.

"He reminds me of Jerry Hairston, very athletic and quick plus will do whatever he needs to do: drop a bunt, make a fielding play, steal a base. He is a double threat as a switch hitter and will be a great player."

Chris Lopez - RHP - R/R - Vineland, N.J. - Vineland H.S.
Lopez will serve as the Garden State's representative to UMES after being a great all-around baseball player at Vineland High School. Earning all-area and all-conference honors as a senior, his final season he led Cape-Atlantic League with a 1.90 ERA in over 50 innings and batted .395.

"He has one of the livest arms on our team for a small guy. With his great fastball he should be a reliever this season, and he will be a future starter."

Will Turley - RHP/IF - R/R - Greensboro, Md. - North Caroline H.S.
Turley suits up for the Hawks after being one of the best pitchers on the Eastern Shore. At North Caroline High School, he helped the team win a state championship in 2011 and was an All-Bayside Conference player as a senior. He finished his career with a 10-0 record and hit .375 his senior season.

"His pitching style is controlling; everything he throws moves, including his fastball. His role will be middle relief, and he has a good bat so he can play third base."