Bruins ink Knapp to LOI

BELLEVUE, Neb. -- The Bellevue University baseball team, under head coach Duane Monlux, announced today the signing of 6-0, 190-pound right-handed pitcher Stephen Knapp (Huntington Beach, Calif.) to a letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic careers at Bellevue beginning in the fall of 2017.

Knapp comes to Bellevue from Golden West College in his hometown of Huntington Beach, Calif. He began his career at GWC as a reliever before transitioning to primarily a starting role for his sophomore season. Prior to enrolling at GWC, Knapp was a graduate of Edison High School.

At Golden West Knapp put up strong numbers in his two-year career. He appeared in 24 games, making 12 starts. Knapp owned a 6-5 overall record and 4.42 career ERA across 87.2 innings on the hill. Opponents his just .282 off him in 333 at-bats and he displayed excellent control with a 4.06 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Coach Monlux said of Knapp, "Stephen is expected to come in and give us quality innings next season. He pitches from different arm angles, making it tough on opposing hitters. Stephen has outstanding command, striking out 65 and walking just 16 in two seasons. He has both started and come out of the 'pen at Golden West. He competed in one of the toughest California Junior College leagues in the Orange Empire. We are excited to have him as a Bruin."

Knapp joins earlier signees Jonah Yang (OF, Diamond Bar, Calif.), Luke Stratton (OF, Temecula, Calif.), Bailey Link (C/3B/RHP, Chula Vista, Calif.), Jarrod Molnaa (RHP, Kennewick, Wash.), Conner Sharp (RHP, Port Orchard, Wash.), and Stuart Eurich (OF, Elizabeth, Colo.).

Bellevue concluded another strong season last month with a 51-11 mark that saw them earn their second-straight NSAA Regular-Season title after going 23-1 in league play. The Bruins hosted the NAIA Opening Round Bellevue Bracket where they reached the final round. The National Tournament Appearance was the 19^th in the storied history of the Bruin Baseball program.