Cane Cutters News

2011 Ace Pitcher Returns. Two Other Southeastern Stars Follow

By: Andrew Choplin

As they continue to fill out their 2012 roster, the Acadiana Cane Cutters have signed three players from the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions. One of the starting pitchers from last year’s Cane Cutters team, Kaleb Manuel, will be joined by two fellow Lion teammates, outfielders Ladd Rhodes and Alex Marse.

Kaleb Manuel, a 6’3 junior right handed pitcher, had an excellent year last season with the Cane Cutters. Manuel started eight games for the Cutters in 2011, registering a 2.72 ERA. Kaleb also finished the season strong with a team high 4-2 record down the stretch. For the year he cashed in on 34 strikeouts in 49.2 innings pitched, placing him second on the team in both categories, respectively.

During the Lions 2012 campaign, Kaleb has continued his success on the mound. For the year he has pitched in 36.1 innings with a 2.91 ERA in relief.

Joining Kaleb Manuel is outfielder Alex Marse. Marse is a 5’10 junior utility player who has started 17 games this season for the Lions, logging four RBI and two doubles. He has flashed his knack for clutch hitting the last few weeks. This past weekend Marse was the hero of a high scoring affair against conference rival Stephen F. Austin when he drove in the game winning run, helping the Lions clinch a two seed in the Southland Conference tournament.

Rounding out the Southeastern Lions trio is junior outfielder Ladd Rhodes. Ladd brings with him plenty of experience and expertise in the outfield, committing zero errors over the course of the 2012 season for the Lions. Rhodes has also accumulated 18 RBI with a .224 batting average in 47 starts this season.

In the junior college ranks, Rhodes amassed a .345 batting average while also driving in 30 runs in 2011. Rhodes will also look to build onto his combined 25 stolen bases over the past two seasons with Coach Lonnie and the Cane Cutters.

Kaleb Manuel and Ladd Rhodes both bring championship roots to Fabacher Field this season. Manuel was a part of the 2010 LSU-Eunice NJCAA National Championship squad while Ladd Rhodes followed that up with a championship ring of his own with Jones County Junior College (Miss.), who won the 2011 NJCAA National Championship. 

The Cane Cutters will open the season Friday, June 1st when they take on the Alexandria Aces at Fabacher Field. Season tickets are on sale now through the Cane Cutters box office at Fabacher Field, 221 La Neuville Rd. Youngsville, Louisiana or by calling 337-451-6852, or online at www.canecuttersbaseball.com. Be sure to like us on facebook at Acadiana Cane Cutters baseball and also follow us on twitter at CaneCuttersBB for all of your Acadiana Cane Cutters baseball news.