Ducks sign Lansford and Niesen

(Central Islip, N.Y., April 2, 2013) – The Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks today announced the signings of pitchers Jared Lansford and Eric Niesen to the 2013 roster. Both return for their second season with the Flock after helping lead the team the 2012 championship.

“Jared and Eric were both key arms for us during the championship run,” says Ducks president and general manager Michael Pfaff. “They will continue to serve important set-up roles in our bullpen this season.”

Lansford pitched in 47 games for the Ducks last season, compiling a 2.98 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 54 and one-third innings pitched. During the postseason, he fired six and one-third scoreless innings, earned a pair of wins and struck out eight batters without allowing a walk. The right-hander began the 2012 season in spring training with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.

Jared is the brother of teammate Josh Lansford and son of former Major Leaguer Carney Lansford. He has played eight season of professional baseball, reaching the Triple-A level in three consecutive seasons (2009-11). For his career, the 26-year-old has a 3.71 ERA, 42 saves and 340 strikeouts in 262 games (30 starts). Lansford was originally drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the second round of the 2005 amateur draft.

Niesen, who began the 2013 season in spring training with the Seattle Mariners organization, appeared in 57 games for the Ducks in 2012 including two starts. The southpaw posted a 3-2 record, a 3.89 ERA and 64 strikeouts to just 28 walks in 69 and one-third innings. In the playoffs, he pitched in seven games and allowed just two earned runs while retiring both batters he faced in the Ducks’ Game Five victories.

The Michigan native has played six seasons of professional baseball, the first five of which were spent in the New York Mets organization. He pitched at the Double-A level in three consecutive seasons (2009-11). For his career, the 27-year-old has a 4.42 ERA and 418 strikeouts 204 games (76 starts). Niesen was originally drafted by the Mets in the third round of the 2007 amateur draft.

The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. Opening Day is April 26. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.

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