Eppler gaining experience in Japan

Tyler Eppler was a starting pitcher during his time in the Pittsburgh Pirates minor-league system.

But the Navasota High School graduate has been appearing in relief for the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan.

Through 22 appearances, the right-hander had a 4-3 record and 4.03 earned run average.

He was a late-inning reliever in games July 28 and July 30. In two scoreless innings of the former game, he faced six batters and struck out four.

During his July 30 outing, he allowed hits to the three batters he faced and allowed two earned runs.

More baseball

Garrett Harris of Trois Rivieres in the Canadian American Association was placed July 27 on the disabled list retroactive to July

24. The pitcher out of Anderson-Shiro High had a 7-1 record and 3.76 ERA in 14 games.

Football

Previously at Iola High, Kurtis Bradicich is no longer on the Texas A & M University team. He did not play last year, when he was listed on the roster as a freshman wide receiver.

Men’s rodeo

Navasota resident Foster McCraw placed first in the third performance of bull riding at the Cheyenne Frontier Days and earned $2,823.

Anderson-Shiro product Paden Hurst finished second in the sixth performance of bareback riding at the Cheyenne event and earned $1,788.

Send updates about area athletes to Barbara Boxleitner at jdanddoc@gmail.com .