Right-handed pitcher Alex Capaul has been selected as the starting pitcher for the Yakima Bears on opening day. Capaul’s start Friday in Eugene against the Emeralds would also put him in line to start the Bears’ home opener on Wednesday.

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After a brief appearance with the Missoula Osprey of the Pioneer League (Rookie) last season, Capaul spent the rest of his first professional season with the Bears. In his time with Yakima, Capaul pitched in 15 games, 11 as a starter and four as a long reliever. The Coeur d’Alene native was one of the most consistent pitchers on the staff, going five or more innings in seven starts and registering a quality start in four.

By the time the 2011 Bears’ season was complete, Capaul had some of the best statistics on the team. His record with the Bears was 2-3, but his ERA was 3.07 and he only issued 10 walks over 73 and a third innings.

Capaul will be picking up where he left off Friday when he pitches against Eugene, as his final 2011 start was against Eugene, a game in which he allowed only three hits and two runs in six and a third innings. Overall, those were the only two earned runs Capaul allowed in 10 and a third innings pitched against the Emeralds, as he gave up no earned runs in a four inning relief appearance at Eugene. As for the Bears’ home opener opponent, Capaul gave up one run in five innings pitched in one appearance against Salem-Keizer last season.

Capaul has spent most of this spring at extended spring training at the Diamondbacks Arizona facility, but he was given the chance to spend a week with the Reno Aces (AAA) after the staff there had been depleted. The second-year pro only pitched one and two thirds innings in one appearance during his Triple-A stint.

The Yakima Bears begin the season June 15th in Eugene and will play at home for the first time on Wednesday, June 20th. Season tickets, mini plans, and individual game tickets are on sale now at the downtown Bears office at 17 N. 3rd Street, Suite 101 and online at yakimabears.com.

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