Barnstormers Continue to Add Pitching

The Lancaster Barnstormers have acquired left-hander Jarret Leverett from the Long Island Ducks and right-hander Kaohi Downing from the Sussex County Miners of the Can Am Association, it was announced today by manager Ross Peeples.

Leverett, 27, opened the 2016 season with the New Britain Bees and was later dealt to Long Island as compensation for a deal that sent right-hander Kevin Vance to the Bees, combining for a 6-9 record and 3.73 ERA.  The southpaw opened the season in the New Britain bullpen, moving into the starting rotation by July 1.  His best start of 2016 came in the Liberty Division Series when Leverett fired seven shutout innings against the Somerset Patriots in Game Four at Bethpage Ballpark.

The Georgia native was 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA in two starts and two relief appearances against the Barnstormers.

Leverett pitched for the traveling Frontier Greys in 2014 and signed with the San Francisco Giants in 2015, pitching in 22 games for former Barnstormers’ infielder Kyle Haines at Salem-Keizer. 

“Leverett is from my hometown, and I have worked with him in the past,” said Peeples.  “I helped him to get to New Britain last year, and we were able to work out a trade with Long Island to bring him into Lancaster this season.  He’s a great kid who wants the ball every time it’s his turn to start.”

Downing, 30, signed as a pitcher with the San Francisco Giants in 2009, after four years as an infielder with Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego.  He posted a 1.47 ERA over 24 appearances and 43 innings with Salem-Keizer in 2010.

The following year, the Honolulu native played second base for the Volcanoes, batting .312 with one homer and 19 RBI in 52 games.

Following his time with the Giants, Downing spent three seasons with the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the American Association and the last two years in the Can Am.  He was a combined 5-4 with a 2.74 ERA with Trois Rivieres and Sussex in 2016.

“We have seen a video of Downing, and he was very impressive,” said Peeples.  “He has been trying to get into this league, so we are going to give him an opportunity.”