STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific baseball program has officially announced that former Tiger Lucas Sweany has signed a professional contract with the Minnesota Twins.
 
Despite a shortened season in 2020, Sweany becomes the 95th student-athlete in program history to reach the professional ranks. Additionally, it also marks the eighth consecutive year that a Tiger has turned pro following their career in Stockton, dating back to Tyger Pederson in 2013.
 
"Playing professional baseball has always been a dream of mine and today, that lifelong dream came true," said Sweany. "Thank you to the Minnesota Twins for making all of this possible… I am so thankful for everyone that has helped me achieve this dream. Thank you to Pacific for being my home the last three years… thank you to all of the coaching staff for developing me into the player that I am today… I truly couldn't have done it without all of you."
 
Coming to Pacific as a hard-throwing pitcher out of Vacaville, Calif, Sweany made 20 appearances on the hill his freshman year, which included six starts. In his first collegiate season, the 6'6' left-hander finished the season with 46.0 innings pitched, 40 total strikeouts and a 1.28 WHIP. Additionally, his three saves in 2018 tied him for 10th place in the conference in this category.
 
Following up, Sweany recorded a 3.97 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP in 14 total appearances his sophomore year, making four starts while tallying 45.1 innings pitched. In addition to striking out 39 batters while walking just 16, he also earned WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention honors in 2019.
 
This past season, the lefty carried a 5.40 ERA in four appearances through the team's first 17 games in 2020. Having notched three starts on the hill, Sweany compiled a 1.23 WHIP in 21.2 innings of work, the second most on the team.
 
"The Twins are getting a tremendous arm and individual," said head coach Chris Rodriguez. "Lucas was never afraid to take the mound and battle for his teammates no matter the opponent… Inside the clubhouse, his energy and smile is truly infectious and his positive attitude will consistently help any organization maintain a team-first environment...  No matter what hat he wears, Lucas will always be apart of the Tiger family"

Sweany's signing also marks the first Pacific student-athlete to turn pro under the newly-appointed head coach.
 
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