HURLER POLIQUIN, INFIELDER HUNT RETURNING TO AIGLES
The Trois-Rivières Aigles have announced that right-handed pitcher Sam Poliquin and infielder Ethan Hunt will be returning for the 2023 season.
Samuel Poliquin, a 26-year-old Quebecer, was the third most used pitcher last summer by manager Matthew Rusch. In 86.2 innings of work, he averaged 5.19 and scored 45 outs on three strikes. In 20 appearances on the mound, including 18 starts, the Polliquin compiled a record of 5 wins against 7 losses in addition to having a complete game.
Second baseman Ethan Hunt signed in mid-August and appeard in 11 games with the Aigles. The product of Oklahoma Panhandle State University (NAIA) had maintained an excellent batting average of .333 under 13 hits, including 4 doubles. Hunt had also driven in 4 runs in addition to crossing home plate 5 times.
"Ethan is a quiet force for the team. As a rookie, he showed he could stand out in the pros and I expect him to show great growth again this season. He has several skills, including hitting for average, with batting power and quickness on the trail. He is also able to offer solid defensive play. As a bonus, he is a very disciplined player who takes advantage of every opportunity to learn," commented Matthew Rusch, the manager of the Aigles.
Poliquin's and Hunt's return joins those of outfielder Louis-Philippe Pelletier, third baseman Juan Kelly and pitcher Tucker Smith. In addition, manager Matthew Rusch will focus on newcomers Nate Scantlin (outfielder), Nick Garcia (pitcher) and Ryan Campbell (pitcher), acquired in a trade with the American Association's Gary SouthShore RailCats, in addition to rookies Victor Cerny (catcher) Easley De La Cruz (catcher), Tyler Clark-Chiaparelli (infielder) and Jacob Stobart (pitcher).
The Aigles' training camp will get under way towards the end of April for the franchise's second season in the Frontier League. The first game is scheduled for Friday, May 12 as the Aigles visit the Tri-City ValleyCats. Then, the home opener will take place on Tuesday, May 23 when the Lake Erie Crushers will be at Stade Quillorama.
