BOONEVILLE, Miss.--Northeast Mississippi Community College sophomore Chase Porch has signed a baseball scholarship with the University of North Alabama. The Meridian Community College transfer will play for Coach Kent Farris’ Northeast Tigers this spring, and will enroll at UNA in the summer of 2008.

Porch, a 6’0 190lb right-handed pitcher and shortstop, was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 32nd round of the 2006 MLB draft. In one season on the mound at MCC, the former East Union High School standout notched four wins and only two losses, with a 5.20 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 32.1 innings pitched.

“I’m glad that Chase chose UNA and went ahead and signed,” said Farris. “I think it will allow him to concentrate on playing and not worry about his recruitment. He’s one heck of a player. We’re glad to have him at Northeast and I know the guys at UNA feel the same way.”

Porch was a 7-year starter for Coach Chris Basil at East Union High School (7th grade – 12th grade), led the Urchins to the class 1A finals as a junior, and the class 2A north-half finals as a senior.

Chase Porch and the Northeast Tigers open the 2008 season at home on Saturday, February 9, with a noon double-header versus Marion (Ala.) Military Institute.

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