St. Louis' McDowell commits to UH baseball

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

St. Louis School pitcher Guy McDowell has verbally committed to play baseball for the University of Hawai'i.

He is the fourth Hawai'i high school senior who has said he will sign with UH during the week-long early signing period, which starts today.

McDowell is a 6-foot-1, 210-pound right-hander. He was 2-2 with a 2.93 ERA last year for the Crusaders. At the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau tryout camp in June, McDowell was one of three pitchers whose pitches were clocked at 86 mph. He has since been clocked at 89 mph.

"I'm excited about it," McDowell said. "I heard a lot of good things about the coaches. It's a good opportunity for me."

McDowell said he has been working out with former major leaguer Lenn Sakata, who is a manager in the San Francisco Giants minor league system.

McDowell said Hawai'i Pacific also showed interest in him.

Two other Crusaders have verbally committed to HPU. Shortstop Grandon Costa and second baseman Brandon Sato will sign with the Sea Warriors, Crusaders coach Dean Sato said.

The three others who have verbally committed to new UH coach Mike Trapasso are Mid-Pacific second baseman Isaac Omura and catcher Matt Inouye, and Moloka'i pitcher/first baseman Keahi Rawlins.

Iolani first baseman Kila Ka'aihue has said he will sign with Nebraska today.

The Rainbows are expected to receive letters of intent this week from Mainland recruits as well.

UH opens its season Jan. 30 against Florida State.