Ballard will make MLB debut tonight

By The Daily Progress Staff

Published: July 8, 2008

The Dallas Morning News reported on its Web site that former Virginia pitcher Michael Ballard will make his MLB debut tonight for the Texas Rangers against the Los Angeles Angels.

Ballard, a left-hander who last pitched for UVa in 2006, compiled a record of 8-3 for the Double-A Frisco Rough Riders before he was called up. The Virginia Beach native had an ERA of 3.97 with 64 strikeouts and 29 walks in 88.1 innings. He had won his last five decisions at Frisco.