Wilmington, N.C. - With their respective college baseball seasons set to start, Bryant Gaines of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and Michael Rudman of the Miami Hurricanes are ready to return for their sophomore seasons for the Wilmington Sharks.

Bryant Gaines, a freshman with the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, was a major piece of the starting rotation with the Sharks in 2007 starting 10 games and finishing with a 4-4 record (two 1-0 shutouts), striking out 48, walking 22 and posting a 1.81 ERA in 54.2 innings pitched.  Opponents batted a paltry .197 against him.  Gaines was named Pitcher of the Week by the Coastal Plain League during Week 7.  A native of Weddington, North Carolina, the 6’6” 261-pound right-hander was a standout at Charlotte Christian High School where he received All-State, All-NCISAA, All-Mecklenburg, and All-Charlotte Observer honors in 2006 as a senior.  Red-shirted in 2007, the UNC Tar Heels are looking to use Gaines out of their bullpen in 2008.

“I think that I'll be able to bring some experience to our team this year since I played in Wilmington last summer.  Having been in a starting role last season, I now know what it takes to remain healthy and stay strong so that I can perform as well at the end of the season as the beginning,” stated Gaines.

Miami Hurricanes sophomore Mike Rudman will also be returning with the Sharks in 2008.  The 5’9” 170-pound right-hander was tied for fourth on the Sharks in 2007 in appearances (11) and led the team in saves (3).  Rudman finished the 2007 campaign with a record of 1-0, striking out 25 hitters and only walking 11 with a 5.84 ERA in 24.2 innings pitched.  The Miami, Florida native attended Miami Killian Senior High School where he earned First Team All-Dade County and Third Team All-State honors by the Miami Herald.  Heading into the 2008 college season, the Hurricanes expect Rudman to be one of their top five starters.  In 2007, Rudman saw limited action with Miami, making 11 appearances and striking out 9 in 11.2 innings pitched, finishing with a 0-1 record.  Rudman showed improvement in the fall season, posting an impressive 2.29 ERA in 19.2 innings.

“I plan on bringing my experience and leadership to the Sharks, and maximizing my talent to win some ballgames this upcoming season.”