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Brown inks professional contract with Mariners

Cougar pitcher Aaron Brown could have improved his draft position by returning to school for his senior season, but he decided that three years of college ball would have to do.

Brown, who was taken in the ninth round (No. 285 overall) of the major-league draft by the Seattle Mariners three weeks ago, opted to forego his final year of collegiate eligibility and sign a professional contract. The 6-6, 200-pound right-hander agreed to terms with Seattle on Wednesday, and reported to Class A Everett, Wash., the Mariners’ short-season minor league affiliate. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Brown made his first minor league appearance Sunday against the Tri-City Dust Devils. The League City native pitched one inning of relief and allowed one run while striking out three batters in the AquaSox’s 5-2 victory.

Brown, the lone Cougar to be drafted, served as the team’s Friday starter this season and went 6-6 with a 4.98 ERA and two saves in 20 appearances (15 starts). He issued a team-leading 46 walks and finished second in innings pitched (86.2) and strikeouts (54).

The signing officially closes the final chapter on Brown’s UH career, which was largely filled with inconsistency. In three seasons, Brown was 8-9 with a 5.27 ERA and four saves in 64 appearances (24 starts). He filled several roles during that span, including an unsuccessful stint as closer in 2006.

Flores set to leave UH Sophomore catcher/pitcher Luis Flores will play elsewhere next season after the team granted him a restricted release from his scholarship.

The restricted release means the Cougars can prevent Flores from playing immediately at certain schools. If he transfers to a restricted school, he’ll have to sit out next season.

Flores batted .263 with nine home runs and 24 RBIs while going 1-1 with a 6.10 ERA on the mound this season.

Cougars pick up outfielder Cy-Fair outfielder Caleb Ramsey has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Cougars next season.

Ramsey hit .352 with 38 runs and 26 RBIs as a senior to help the Bobcats win the Class 5A state championship. He was named to the 5A all-state tournament team after batting 3-for-8 with five RBI in two games.

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