June 8, 2005

STOCKTON, Calif. - University of the Pacific Head Baseball Coach Ed Sprague has announced the signing of Clint Eastman and Phil Ortez for the 2006 season. With the addition of Eastman and Ortez, the Tigers have added 11 players to the Pacific roster for next season. Eastman and Ortez join Anthony Carruesco, Joey Centanni, Erik Hamren, Ty'Rell Harris, David Hovey, Matt Lange, Casey Neimeyer, Danny Price and Jake Wild who previously signed national letters of intent.

Eastman is a 5-8, 175-pound catcher from Sierra College in Rocklin, Calif. Despite suffering a broken foot early in the 2005 season, Eastman returned to the lineup for Sierra in time for the playoffs as he hit .280 down the stretch. As a freshman, Clint finished with a .283 average.

"Clint is a very good catch and throw player, who will help stabilize our catching position next season," said Sprague.

A 6-3 outfielder from Scottsdale, Ariz, Ortez comes to Pacific from Coronado High School. Phil finished his senior season with a .490 average, including 49 hits and 43 RBI. Ortez led his team in RBI, hits and slugging percentage (.850) last season. Following the year, Ortez was named to the All-Northeast Valley First Team.

"Ortez is a switch-hitting outfielder that has the potential to develop power from both sides of the plate," said Sprague.

Pacific's Recruit Pos. Ht. Wt. B/T Yr.-Exp. Hometown (Last School/High School) Clint Eastman C 5-8 175 S/R Jr.-JC Pleasanton, Calif. (Sierra College) Phil Ortez OF 6-3 200 R/R Fr.-HS Scottsdale, Ariz. (Coronado HS)