ROCKFORD, Ill. - Just weeks after fellow University of Northwestern Ohio pitcher Zach Petrick made his professional baseball debut, another UNOH pitcher took the mound for a pro team as Dylan Brammer made his first appearance for the Rockford RiverHawks of the Frontier League on Monday.

Brammer, who played two years at UNOH, faced three batters in the seventh inning, giving up one run on one hit and two walks. He threw 17 pitches, seven for strikes. The RiverHawks won 8-7.

"I am excited for Dylan," UNOH baseball coach Kory Hartman said. "He is a great young man who deserves every opportunity that lies in front of him.

"I remember my first outing in pro ball. Dairy Queen sponsored the game at Kalamazoo, and during the game they ran a promotion where everyone would receive a free small ice cream cone for every home run hit in the first inning. I gave up two home runs that inning and needless to say I don't think Dairy Queen is in business today thanks to me.

"I am sure Dylan felt the same anxiety I did. He will be fine and do great things once he controls his emotions and the game."

In two seasons with UNOH, Brammer went 4-3 with 12 saves in 19 appearances and 49.2 innings pitched. He had a 1.32 ERA, giving up 14 runs (seven earned) on 34 hits, with 30 walks and 61 strikeouts.

"Dylan solidified the back end of our bullpen and did an outstanding job last year," Hartman said. "He will be hard to replace, both on and off the field."

You can find the RiverHawks online by following this link.