Aaron Rakers #47

Last name is pronounced "ROCK-ers"...Attended Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, where he was a teammate of former Orioles farmhand David Crouthers...Graduated from Wesclin (IL) HS, where he played baseball, basketball and golf.

2005

A key reliever down the stretch, Rakers was recalled from Triple-A Ottawa in August and made one appearance before returning for September callups. His highlight was Sept. 14 when he struck out five batters in two innings at Texas. He earned his first ML win with 2 1/3 innings against the Yankees on Sept. 27.

2004

Spent the season at AAA Ottawa...The Orioles purchased his contract on September 7 following the end of the Lynx's season. Made his major league debut on September 8 vs. Minnesota, entering in the 7th inning with a 7-0 deficit...Allowed 2 runs on 4 hits in 1.0 inning of work. Retired all 3 batters faced in his 2nd outing on September 18 at Minnesota, and pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in his final appearance in the first game of a doubleheader on October 2 vs. Boston. Led Ottawa and finished tied for 4th in the International League with 54 games pitched. Was 1-3 with a 4.71 ERA in 21 appearances, including one start, through June 5...Pitched to a 1.62 ERA (50.0IP, 9ER) over his final 33 outings, allowing an earned run in only 6 games. Did not allow an earned run over 13 appearances, June 7-July 8, a span of 21.2 innings...Allowed 2 unearned runs and 15 hits over that time. Made one start, April 24 vs. Buffalo, allowing 5 runs on 6 hits in 3.0 innings, but did not get a decision in Ottawa's 18-11 win...Omitting that game, his ERA was 2.26 in 53 relief appearances. Notched his lone save on June 3 at Richmond, pitching a hitless 9th inning to preserve a 3-1 win. Earned wins in consecutive games, July 5-6 at Louisville...Pitched the 10th inning of a tie game on July 5 and benefitted from the Lynx' 4 runs in the 11th inning...Entered in the 5th inning on July 6 to hold a 7- 4 lead to pick up the victory. Over his final 10 outings at Ottawa, pitched to a 1.32 ERA (13.2IP, 2ER)...Walked only 2 batters over his last 12 outings, a span of 16.2 innings. Was a non-roster invitee to Orioles spring training camp.