July 16, 2009

BOSTON - UCLA left-handed pitcher Rob Rasmussen has been selected to start on the mound in the 2009 Cape Cod League All-Star game at Fenway Park on Thursday, July 23. Rasmussen, a rising junior from Arcadia, Calif., has gone 2-0 with a 0.96 ERA in three starts for the Orleans Firebirds.

Rasmussen will represent the Eastern Division in the Cape Cod League's All-Star Game. Thursday's contest at Fenway Park will be broadcast live on New England Sports Network (NESN). Game time is 4 p.m. (PT).

In three starts for Orleans, Rasmussen has registered 26 strikeouts and three walks in 18.2 innings. He has limited the opposition to a .141 batting average, allowing nine hits and four runs (two earned).

Rasmussen earned the victory in a 6-1 victory over the Cotuit Kettleers on June 18. The left-hander allowed one unearned run and two hits in six innings, striking out 10 batters and issuing one walk. He did not receive a decision in his second start, a 1-0 Orleans victory over the Chatham Anglers on July 4. In that contest, Rasmussen scattered three hits in seven scoreless innings, totaling seven strikeouts and two walks.

Most recently, Rasmussen earned his second victory of the summer in a 9-4 win over the Brewster Whitecaps on July 11. He allowed three runs (two earned) and four hits in 5.2 innings, notching nine strikeouts and no walks.

Through games played July 15, Rasmussen ranks second on the Orleans' staff in ERA (0.96), strikeouts (26) and strikeouts per nine innings (12.53). He has helped Orleans post the Cape Cod League's best record (15-10-1). In addition, Orleans has recorded the league's lowest team ERA (2.59) and has tallied the fewest walks (76).

Rasmussen's appearance at Fenway Park on July 23 marks his second start at a major league ballpark in 2009. The left-hander allowed three runs and six hits in 6.0 innings in a no-decision against Rice at the Houston Astros' Minute Maid Park in the 2009 Houston College Classic during the college baseball season (Feb. 27).

Rasmussen becomes the first Bruin chosen to play in the Cape Cod League All-Star Game since former UCLA third baseman Jermaine Curtis was selected in the summer of 2007.

To purchase tickets for the Cape Cod League All-Star Game on July 23, fans can log online to www.redsox.com/capecod or call (877) REDSOX-9. Tickets are all general admission and priced at only $10.00 per ticket. The day will also feature an autograph session with the all-stars and family entertainment in the Fenway Park concourses in addition to a Home Run Derby prior to first pitch.