Kawal, Ruth Fashion Fine Summers

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(8/15/07 - Baseball) IRVINE - Former Concordia baseball players Brandon Kawal and Keoni Ruth have carried over the success they had during the 2007 collegiate season into a pair of fine first summers on the professional baseball circuit.

Kawal, a 38th-round pick by the New York Mets, was recently selected to participate in the New York-Penn League All-Star Game at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. Representing the National League of the NYPL for the Brooklyn Cyclones, Kawal struck out in his only at-bat, but entered the game batting .295 with three doubles and 10 RBI.

Ruth was a 22nd-round selection by the San Diego Padres two months ago and has quickly made his way through the system thanks to a hot bat and his versatility in the field. After batting a sizzling .439 in 19 games with the team's Arizona League affiliate, Ruth was promoted to Lake Elsinore for a give-game stint.

His travels were just beginning after spending a week with the Storm. He then spent five games in the Northwest League with the Eugene Emeralds, where he hit .250 with a home run and eight RBI. His sparkling play coupled with an injury at the Triple-A level saw Ruth promoted one level away from the major leagues as he got the call from the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League.

Since joining the Beavers on August 8, Ruth has seen most of his at-bats as the designated hitter. However, he did get his first start at second base on Tuesday, August 14 and went 2-for-4 to raise his average to .333.

Concordia (31-18) reached its third-straight NAIA Region II championship game this past season in the 4th season for head coach Tony Barbone. The Eagles made their first-ever appearance at the NAIA World Series in 2006 and captured 7th place after winning their opening round game against Seton HIll (Pa.), 5-4.