Baseball | June 28, 2021

AIKEN, S.C. – Former University of South Carolina Aiken baseball hurler Zach Rafuse was recently promoted to the Lansing Lugnuts – a High-A Affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.

"Pacer Baseball is so proud of Zach as he continues to climb the ladder and chase his dream of pitching in the big leagues," Interim Head Baseball Coach Michael Holder said. "His promotion shows the Oakland A's are just as excited for Zach's future with their franchise."

A 35^th-round selection by the A's in 2019, Rafuse made his pro debut in the rookie-level Arizona League, posting a 2.45 ERA in 14 appearances with 32 strikeouts in 33 innings. He went 3-1 during the season.

A two-year standout with the Pacers, Rafuse appeared in 31 contests, notching 29 starts. Over two seasons, he went 13-3 while tossing 164.1 innings, striking out 171 batters while limiting the opposition to a .262 batting average. 

As a senior, Rafuse picked up second-team all-conference accolades. He went 8-0 that year in 79.2 innings while registering 86 strikeouts.