Connor Lambert Returns as Pitching Coach.

His Staffs Posted WCL's Lowest ERAs in 2011 and 2012

Pitching coach Connor Lambert (pictured) will return in 2013 for his third season with the Knights, general manager Bre Kerkvliet announced on Oct. 16.

The pitching coach at Tacoma Community College during the school year, Lambert has enjoyed considerable success in his first two seasons with the Knights. They led the West Coast League in ERA in 2012 (2.80) and 2011 (2.47) and established a WCL record (since broken) with 401 strikeouts in 2011.

"It's our pleasure to have Connor back for a third season," Knights' head coach Brooke Knight said. "Connor's growth and development from 2011 to 2012 was impressive, and I am eager to see what he will bring to the table in his third season.

"He is competent and fair, firm yet compassionate, and it resonates with our players. He also has the ability to add and facilitate development of an additional pitch for many of our guys, something that can be empowering when they return home for their fall seasons.

"Connor is a great guy to work with and he is loyal to our organization. He meets my expectations and more."

A native of Olympia, Wash., Lambert was an all-state pitcher at River Ridge High School and then lettered at Washington State from 2007-10. He graduated from WSU in 2011 after serving as an undergraduate assistant coach that spring.

Expansion franchises in Medford and in Victoria, British Columbia, have been added for 2013, bringing the WCL to 11 teams. The schedule will be released in November and the season will start in June.