PHILADELPHIA – Former Explorers Pat Christensen and TJ Chism are enjoying wildly successful summer campaigns on the mound. Both pitchers are mowing down opposing hitters at an impressive clip and turning heads in their respective organizations.

Christensen, a 27^th round pick of the Houston Astros in May, has posted a 2.55 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 24.2 innings of work between two levels. The La Jolla, Calif. native got his feet wet in the New York-Penn League, tallying a 3.86 ERA over 14 innings for the Tri City Valleycats. Since his promotion to the Class A Advanced Midwest League, the reliever has fanned 15 batters in 10.2 innings to the tune of a 0.84 ERA for the Quad City River Bandits.

The right hander graduated in May with 44 career saves – fifth-most in NCAA Division I history. He was named a Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-American and was thrice named Big 5 Student-Athlete of the Year. His 2.73 career ERA is the best mark in program history while ranking in the top five in appearances (105), wins (17), and strikeouts (206).

Chism, a 32^nd round selection of the New York Mets in 2009, has taken the role of closer with the St. Lucie Mets and run away with it. Chism's 17 saves are tied for fourth in the Florida State League (Class A Advanced), which he's accompanied with 52 strikeouts in 58 innings and a 2.33 ERA. A mid-season all-star in 2011 and 2012, Chism was featured by ESPN New York's Adam Rubin in his Farm Report on August 21.

The southpaw was an accomplished hitter for the Blue and Gold during his career, ranking in the top 10 all-time in runs (47) and home runs (11). His 2009 season was highlighted with a 50 RBI tally, sixth-most in a single season in program history. 
 
View Christensen's MiLB Player Page
View Chism's MiLB Player Page