MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois pitcher Rich Mascheri (Wauconda, Ill./Wauconda) was signed to the New York Yankees Organization earlier last week.

"I'm really speechless, I'm just glad I've been given the opportunity," Mascheri said. "I've been really excited, really nervous, all these different kinds of emotions."

Mascheri had been a member of the Normal CornBelters since late May. While there, the lefty had a 2.29 ERA with 47 strikeouts and 14 walks in 35.3 innings. He now becomes the second member of the CornBelters to sign with a Major League Organization.

Mascheri played two full seasons for the Purple & Gold. This past spring he collected Second Team All-Summitt League honors after posting an impressive 3.39 ERA with 72 strikeouts, both top six among Summit league pitchers. He also picked up Summit League 'Pitcher of the Week' honors on Feb. 20 following a seven inning shutout, five strikeout performance at Georgia State.

The lefty reported to Tampa, Fla., where he plays for the Yankees' rookie level team in the Gulf Coast League. In his first appearance on August 13, he pitched one full inning against the Pirates' rookie level team, striking out two of four batters he faced.

#wiuathletics