FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2007

Darnell signs two more pitchers

Joplin, Mo. - Missouri Southern baseball coach Bryce Darnell has announced the signing of Seneca pitcher Patrick Bennett and Labette Community College pitcher CJ Maffei to national letters of intent to attend Southern and play baseball beginning in the fall of 2008. 

Bennett, a 6-1, 190 pound right handed pitcher is entering his fourth season as a starting pitcher for the Indians of Seneca High School. Bennett plays for coach Chris Yust and last season as a junior, finished 8-3 with a 0.91 ERA. He struck out 96 and walked just nine in 69 innings. He also drove in 23 runs to tie for the team lead as the Indians, 16-6 overall, won the Big 8 at 6-1

As a freshman, Bennett was an honorable mention All-Conference selection and was named All-Conference in each of the past two seasons, netting All-Area and All-State honors this past year as a junior. Bennett was also a three year starter on the Indians basketball team. Bennett plans to major in chemistry at Southern and is the son of Rick Bennett and Pattie Moore.

 I like the fact that right now he s very polished,  Darnell said.  He can throw any of his three pitches   the fastball, curve and change   for strikes any time in the count. His velocity for his age is very good and will continue to improve. 

Maffei is a 6-2 185 pound left handed pitcher from Parsons, Kansas and played last season at Labette Community College for coach Aaron Keal.

A two-time All-Conference selection for coach Mike Krull and the Vikings of Parsons High School, Maffei started three years at pitcher and outfielder for PHS. He also lettered in both basketball and football.

A proposed business major at Southern, Maffei is the son of Chris and Judy Maffei.

"We expect CJ to help our pitching staff from day one," Darnell said. "He is an excellent student and has a great work ethic."