Missouri Western head baseball coach Buzz Verduzco announces the signing of two student-athletes for the 2015 season. Michael Calimeno from Brooklyn, N.Y. transfers to Missouri Western from Monroe College while catcher, Brandon Downs from Phoenix, Ariz. transfers from South Mountain Community College.

Michael Calimeno is a 5-11 pitcher from Brooklyn, N.Y. transfers to Missouri Western from Monroe College. He played his high school baseball at Grand Street Campus in Brooklyn. so far as a sophomore he is 3-0 with a 3.94 ERA. He has appeared in nine games with two starts. He has also combined for one shutout and has two saves. He has thrown 16 innings giving up 12 hits with 15 strikeouts. Opponents are only hitting .197 against him. As a freshman at Monroe he pitched in 15 games with a 3-2 record and a 3.65 ERA. He pitched in 24.2 innings with four saves. He gave up 13 hits, 10 earned runs and struckout 20. He only allowed opponents to hit .163 against him. He is the son of Debra Elhadri and plans on majoring in criminal justice.

“We look for Michael to be one of top relievers for next season,” stated Coach Verduzco. “He has been a starting pitcher, long reliever, and closer. His versatility will add tremendous depth and competitiveness to our staff.”

Brandon Downs is a 6-1 catcher from Phoenix, Ariz. Downs transfers to Missouri Western after playing his last two seasons at South Mountain Community College. Downs played his high school baseball at Mesa High School. While at South Mountain he has been a NJCAA DI All-Star. So far this season he is hitting .276 with 21 hits and three home runs (two grand slams) and 23 RBI. He has scored four runs and hit three doubles. He has an on-base percentage of .371 and a slugging percentage of .434. As a freshman Downs hit .29 with 24 hits, three doubles and two triples. He scored 10 runs with 11 RBI. He had a .359 on base percentage and a .383 slugging percentage. While in high school he was an All-City selection as well as All-Region Honorable Mention. He hit .404 as a senior in high school. He is the son of Scott and Suzanne and plans on majoring in sport management.

“Brandon is considered to be one of the best junior college catching prospects in the Southwest,” commented Coach Verduzco. “We are fortunate to have him part of our program.”

— MWSU Sports Information —