Sauk Rapids native Jason Hoppe has joined the St. Cloud Rox after returning from his trip to Cary, NC with Minnesota State-Mankato at the Division II College World Series.

The 6'1" right-handed pitcher set a new NCAA record with 55.1 consecutive scoreless innings pitched in 2013, a streak that lasted into the postseason. Hoppe finished his junior season with an 8-1 record and 1.26 ERA in 13 starts.

Hoppe said the credit for his historic season should be given to his defense and his catcher, Nolan Johnson.

This is Hoppe's first season with the Rox, but his second season in the Northwoods League. He pitched for the Lakeshore Chinooks in Wisconsin last season and was very successful, going 5-2 with a 2.05 ERA. Hoppe struck out 47 batters in 52-plus innings while walking only eight.

Hoppe says that his host family was "great," but that it was also challenging as they were vegans and he was trying to add weight to his frame.

Over the summer Hoppe says he wants to learn from Rox manager Augie Rodriguez, who had some experience in professional baseball. Hoppe says that he would like to work on developing another pitch for his arsenal.

Hoppe will take the ball at Rochester on Monday night for his season debut with St. Cloud. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 at Mayo Field. You can listen to the game on AM 1390 The Fan, online, or by downloading the free Radio Pup application on your mobile phone.

For the full interview click the link below:

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