PHS grad called up by Pittsburgh Pirates

Poway High graduate Kevin Newman was called up to the Pittsburgh Pirates Thursday and the expectation is that he will make his debut at either shortstop or second base against the Chicago Cubs. First pitch is slated for 4:05 p.m. local time at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Newman, who graduated from Poway in 2012, sped through the Pirates’ farm system after being drafted out of the University of Arizona with the 19^th overall pick in 2015.

The 6-foot-1 infielder hit for a .302 batting average with 30 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 35 RBIs in 109 games for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians.

In his last 10 games, Newman is 15-for-41 with a homer and five RBI. He hit for the cycle on August 7 against Lehigh Valley. Newman will face Cubs’ left-handed starter Jon Lester.

Another reason for the local area to watch the Cubs-Pirates series this weekend is due to Friday night’s matchup on the mound. Rancho Bernardo High graduates Trevor Williams and Cole Hamels will face off. Williams will enter with a 3.66 ERA for the Pirates, while the recently-acquired Hamels comes in with a 4.72 ERA for the Cubs. Hamels has allowed just two earned runs in 18 innings with the Cubs.