DeRATT TO PITCH FOR TOURISTS, FACE FORMER UNCA HURLER ON FRIDAY

DeRATT TO PITCH FOR TOURISTS, FACE FORMER UNCA HURLER ON FRIDAY

A familiar face will take the mound on Friday night when former Asheville Tourist and UNCA Bulldog Alan DeRatt pitches for the South Atlantic League team. DeRatt, who has been pitching this season at Class A Modesto in the California League, is scheduled to make only one start while filling in for Albert Campos, who has stiffness in his pitching arm.

DeRatt will face the Augusta Greenjackets, who are expected to pitch righthander Justin Schumer. Schumer was signed by the San Francisco Giants in 2010 after twirling collegiately at UNC Asheville. The matchup will mark the first time in UNCA history that two former Bulldogs have been the opposing starting pitchers in a professional game.

The Tourists open a four-game series against Augusta on Thursday night. Game time for Thirsty Thursday and Friday's contest is 7:05 p.m. Saturday's game will begin at 6:05 p.m., while Sunday's start time is slated for 2:05 p.m. For more information, contact the Tourists' front office at (828) 258-0428.