Former Fort Mill star signs with Phillies

Karl Lyles The Herald

Former Fort Mill High and USC Upstate pitcher Bradley Blanks has signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. He is currently playing with the Williamsport Crosscutters in the short-season New York-Penn League.

Blanks' signing gives the Herald-area three pitchers in that league. He is joined by Fort Mill's Hamilton Bennett (Brooklyn Cyclones) and York Comprehensive's Zac Fuesser (State College Spikes).

Blanks made his debut with Williamsport on July 16 at Hudson Valley. He began the 2010 season with the Windy City Thunderbolts of the independent Frontier League where he appeared in 19 games. He finished with a 1-2 record with one save and an ERA of 2.74.

Blanks also played in the Frontier League in 2008 with the Evansville Otters. He took the year off from baseball during the 2009 season.

Blanks had 13 career saves at USC Upstate and ranks second all-time at the school. He owns the Spartans single-season record of 12 saves.

HINSON RETURNS -- Former Northwestern and Clemson left-hander Ryan Hinson is back on the mound. He made his season debut for the AZL Padres, a rookie level team. The start to his season was delayed due to injury. He lasted only a third of an inning, giving up four hits and a run.

Hinson was chosen by San Diego in the 10th round of the 2009 draft. He jumped from short-season Eugene (Ore.) to High A Lake Elsinore in his first season. For the year he recorded 48 strikeouts in 44 innings.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- Bennett seems to like pitching in his home ballpark with the Brooklyn Cyclones. In six appearances at MCU Park, he is 1-0 with a 0.90 ERA. His six road outings show him with a record of 0-2 to go with a 7.71 ERA.

Bennett was drafted by the New York Mets this summer.

IN THE ROTATION -- Fuesser began the season in the bullpen for State College and made five relief appearances. His last three outings have been starts.

He got his first decision of the season, a loss, July 23 against Auburn. He is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in his three starting assignments.

Fuesser was chosen by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009 out of Walters State.