Diamond to make pro debut

The Texas Rangers’ top selection in the 2004 draft will make his professional debut tonight when the Spokane Indians host their Northwest rival Yakima Bears at Avista Stadium.

Thomas Diamond, a right-hander taken with the 10th overall selection, was drafted by the Rangers, currently tied atop the A.L. West with the Oakland Athletics, following a stellar season with the University of New Orleans.

The 6-foot-2-inch 231-pound fireballer was one of the top strikeout pitchers in college baseball last year, using a fastball that reaches the high 90s to strikeout out 138 batters in just 113 2/3 innings.

His 10.9 strikeouts per game left him tied for 22nd among all Divison I pitchers and his 2.37 ERA was 32nd in the nation.

The first pitch for tonight’s matchup is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.