January 15, 2018

Official Ottawa Champions Press Release

OTTAWA— Two more familiar faces will re-join the Ottawa Champions roster this coming season, with manager Hal Lanier sprinkling some Canadian content into his bullpen.
 
Two relief pitchers from last year’s Champions team, RHP Noah Gapp and RHP Bobby St. Pierre, were inked to deals for the 2018 season Monday morning.
 
Both players were born north of the border, with Badlands Badgers' grad Gapp hailing from Edmonton, Alta. and Windsor Selects' St. Pierre being a native of Windsor Ont.
 
Gapp came to the Champions via free agent, signing on June 28 after the right-hander’s impressive start with his hometown summer collegiate team, the WMBL’s Edmonton Prospects.
 
He then pitched in 15 games out of the Champions bullpen, impressing Lanier and his staff with a 1.89 ERA in 35 innings. He struck out 49 batters and allowed only eight earned runs during that stretch.
 
“Gapp really did a tremendous job when he came in,” the fourth-year Champions manager said. “His innings pitched and hits were down, he has great control only walking 10.”
 
Lanier also complimented Gapp’s composure on the mound despite being a 23-year-old rookie.
 
St. Pierre’s situation was a similar one, also beginning the season in the WMBL. He arrived in Ottawa much later on, with Lanier getting a recommendation on him in August.
 
“We were fortunate enough that he wanted to come down and throw a bullpen for us,” Lanier recalled.  “He drove seven hours and threw a great session.”
 
The 24-year-old gave the Champions bullpen new life late in the season, providing the team with consistency and a good earned run average, according to Lanier.
 
He ended the campaign with two appearances, allowing four hits and one run in 6-1/3 innings pitched.
 
The Champions will be looking to fill out their starting rotation come training camp, and Lanier says both Canadians will have a shot at earning a spot to begin the 2018 season.