FLORENCE, S.C. – Former Francis Marion University right-handed pitcher Dylan Owen made his professional debut on Thursday night (June 21), while several other former Patriots are continuing their playing careers on the professional level.

Owen, a Chesterfield native, earned the win in his first pro appearance as the Brooklyn Cyclones defeated the Staten Island Yankees 6-1 on Thursday before 8,878 at Brooklyn’s KeySpan Park. The Cyclones are the New York Mets’ affiliate in the Class A Short-Season New York-Penn League. Owen pitched two scoreless innings, allowing just one single.

Owen was drafted in the 20th round of the recent Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. This past spring for the Patriots, Owen was 10-1 with one save and an NCAA Division II-leading 1.14 earned run average. He also tied for the national lead in strikeouts with 121.

Former FMU outfielder Quentin Davis continues to play for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Atlanta Braves’ entry in the Class A Carolina League. He is batting .242 with 24 runs scored, one home run, and 27 runs batted in. The Darlington native’s 26 stolen bases are second in the league.

Former Patriot left-handed pitcher Lee Tabor is pitching for the Dayton Dragons, the Cincinnati Reds’ affiliate in the Class A Midwest League. The Manning native is 2-0 with one save and a 2.97 ERA in 22 appearances. He has fanned 40 batters in 36.1 innings.

Another former Francis Marion southpaw, Ryan Ariail, is pitching for the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the independent Northern League. The Elgin native is 0-1 with one save and a 4.95 ERA in 14 games.

Recent FMU outfielder Nick Stewart has agreed to join the River City Rascals in the independent Frontier League, and is expected to make his debut this week. The Rascals are located in O’Fallon, Mo.

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Dylan Owen wins first pro start on Tuesday

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Former Francis Marion University right-handed pitcher Dylan Owen won his first professional start on Tuesday evening (June 26) with five nearly perfect innings as the Brooklyn Cyclones defeated the Aberdeen IronBirds 7-3.

Brooklyn plays in the Class A New York-Penn League.

Owen, now 2-0 in his young professional career, hit the second batter of the first inning, but that runner was quickly erased on an inning-ending double play.  He then retired 12 straight batters before exiting the game after the fifth frame.  He tossed five no-hit innings, while striking out six and walking no one.

Owen, the NCAA Division II Pitcher of the Year for 2007, is a native of Chesterfield.