June 18, 2010

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By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF junior starting pitcher Owen Dew (Tallahassee, Fla.) has signed a professional contract with the Cleveland Indians organization. The right-hander was selected in the 21st round by the Tribe on June 8.

As of Friday, Dew has been assigned to the Class A Short Season Mahoning Valley Scrappers, managed by former Major League third baseman Travis Fryman. Located in Niles, Ohio (north of Youngstown), the Scrappers of the New York-Penn League open their season on the road Friday at Jamestown.

A 33rd round pick by the Angels out of Seminole State College of Florida in 2009, Dew spent one year with the Black and Gold and was the only pitcher to start in every weekend series. He helped the Knights to a 33-22 record which was their most victories since joining Conference USA in 2005.

On the mound he went 5-3 with a 5.89 ERA, striking out 48 in a team-high 73.1 innings. His best performance was an 8.1-inning win over Rice as he held the Owls to nine singles and just two walks.

Dew joins seniors Shane Brown (Yankees) and Chris Duffy (Phillies) from the 2010 roster who will be making their professional debuts in the minor leagues this summer. Brown will be suiting up for the Staten Island Yankees, who will meet the Scrappers at Staten Island Aug. 10-12.