EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- University of Evansville head coach of baseball Wes Carroll has announced the signing of five players to National Letters of Intent. The class consists of three pitchers and two infielders stemming from five different states.
 
Patrick Bellinger (Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg), Phillip Diehl (Cincinnati, Ohio/Moeller), and Connor Strain (Shelburn, Ind./North Central), will join the Aces’ pitching staff for the 2013 season, while Jonathon Ramon (Jackson Heights, NY/Archbishop Molloy) and Shain Showers (Belmont, Mich./Rockford) are projected to be strongholds in the infield.
 
“Another great recruiting class formed by assistant coach Marc Wagner,” said Carroll. “I want to thank Coach Wagner and Coach Gilner for an outstanding effort putting this great class together.  We were able to fill a couple of needs in the field and bolster our pitching staff will this class. 
 
“All of these young men excel in the classroom and have outstanding character.  They are all great additions to our Aces Baseball family and we are very excited to see them as student-athletes next fall,” added Carroll.
 
Patrick Bellinger
RHP, 6’5, Schaumburg, Ill./Schaumburg
 
Bellinger, a three-year letterwinner, was a 2011 all-area nominee and was chosen to the USA Baseball Great Lakes Regional Team.
 
“Patrick has tremendous upside with his 6’5 frame and loose arm action.  I can’t wait to see him on campus next fall and to begin his development as a Purple Ace.” – Coach Carroll
 
Phillip Diehl
LHP, 6’1, Cincinnati, Ohio/Moeller
 
Diehl was named to Team Ohio, USA Baseball Ohio Valley, and to the Champion Elite Showcase Team in 2011. He helped his team to a district championship last season with a 1.91 ERA.
 
“Phillip is a LHP with tremendous potential.  His velocity continues to improve and is a fierce competitor on the mound.  He is a great addition to the pitching staff.” – Coach Carroll
 
Connor Strain
RHP, 6’2, Shelburn, Ind./North Central
 
Strain has earned a number of accolades in his high school career, including all-state and all-conference honors. As a junior, he helped North Central to a Class A state runner-up finish, hitting .451 with 32 RBI, and logging a 9-3 record on the mound, with a 1.59 ERA and 99 strikeouts.
 
“We are pleased to have Connor join the pitching staff.  He has a chance to contribute early in his career with a loose arm action and a mid 80’s sinker.  He is extremely competitive on the mound and we can’t wait to see him on campus next fall.” – Coach Carroll
 
Jonathon Ramon
INF, 5’11, Jackson Heights, NY/Archbishop Molloy
 
Ramon hit .387 as a junior with 17 RBI and six home runs in 22 games, earning both first team all-Catholic High School and all-Queens in addition to Rawlings Perfect Game Underclassmen All-America honorable mention honors. He was named to the all-tournament team at the WWBA Championship in Jupiter, Fla. and was a USA NTIS North Atlantic Finalist.
 
“Jonathon is a physical athlete with a great swing.  He will be a staple in the middle of our order and in our infield throughout his career. I’m pleased to announce Jonathon as a Purple Ace.” – Coach Carroll
 
Shain Showers
INF, 5’11, Belmont, Mich./Rockford
 
As a junior, Showers hit .390 with 20 doubles, four home runs, and 11 stolen bases, helping the Rams to their second OK conference title in three years and their first-ever state championship. He hit .450 in the playoff run and went 2-3 in the state championship with a home run and game-tying RBI. As impressive as Showers is on the baseball field, he is equally impressive in the classroom, carrying a 4.0 grade-point average.
 
“Shain is a very athletic middle infielder.  He has great feet and great range up the middle. Shain is also athletic in the batter’s box and will be a great fit for our program.” – Coach Carroll