SPRINGFIELD — Former Evangel University pitcher Blake McKnight has been called up to the Springfield Cardinals from Palm Beach the club announced Friday.
McKnight was the first Evangel baseball player drafted by a major league team when he was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 38th round of the draft on June 8, 2013. With the Palm Beach Cardinals, McKnight has posted a 3.11 ERA in 33 appearances and holds a 3-6 record in 92.2 innings pitched with two saves.
The O'Fallon, Missouri native graduated from Evangel in 2013 after helping the Crusaders to a program record 32 wins and being named NAIA Honorable Mention All-America. During his senior season at Evangel he led the conference in wins going 11-3 and finished with a 1.56 ERA as opponents hit just .156 against him.
The Springfield Cardinals finish a four game series at Hammons Field against Northwest Arkansas Friday night at 7:10 p.m. before hosting the Tulsa Drillers over the weekend. The Cardinals have also already clinched their spot in the Texas League playoffs after winning the first half north division which starts September 7.