BOONE, N.C. — Former Appalachian State University pitcher Aubrey Edens began his professional playing career on Thursday night with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the independent Northern League.

Edens, who signed with the RedHawks on Wednesday, was the starting pitcher on Thursday versus the Joliet Jackhammers. The right-hander pitched well, allowing only two earned runs on four hits while striking out five in 4.2 innings of work. However, he was saddled with the loss in his pro debut as F-M fell, 8-2.

Edens compiled a 12-9 record in four seasons at Appalachian and ranks among the program's all-time leaders in pitching starts (39), appearances (64) and innings pitched (240).  He anchored the ASU staff as a senior, leading the squad in wins (6), earned run average (4.97) and opponents' batting average (.276) while striking out 62 and walking only 25.

FRANCO MOVES TO TRAVERSE CITY: Another former Mountaineer found a new home in the independent baseball ranks this week, as catcher Andrew Franco signed with the Traverse City Beach Bums of the Frontier League.

Franco began his pro career earlier this season with the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association but was let go by the squad in mid-June.

Franco hit .356 with 25 doubles, 14 home runs and 97 RBI in two seasons with the Mountaineers after transferring from Tallahassee C.C.. As a junior, he led the team with a .387 batting average, eight homers and 63 RBI.

With his and Edens' signings this week, ASU boasts nine players from its last two teams that are currently in the professional ranks.

ARROWOOD NAMED CPL ALL-STAR: After a sizzling start to the season, ASU rising sophomore Ryan Arrowood has been selected to play in the Coastal Plain League All-Star Game on Monday in Wilmington, N.C.

A right-handed pitcher, Arrowood is a CPL-best 8-0 with a 2.05 ERA in eight starts for his hometown Forest City Owls. He's allowed just 37 hits, struck out 55 batters and walked only 16 in 57 innings of work. With a 35-5 overall record, Forest City is ranked No. 1 nationally among all collegiate summer-league teams by pgcrosschecker.com.    

FIVE INCOMING MOUNTAINEERS NAMED ALL-STATE: Five members of ASU baseball's incoming freshman class were named all-state this week by the North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association for their performances as prep seniors this past spring.

Four of the five honorees are members of the 4-A all-state team — outfielder Zach Joyce (Lexington, N.C./North Davidson), outfielder Ryan Stetson (Charlotte, N.C./Ardrey Kell), catcher Tyler Tewell (Charlotte, N.C./Butler) and outfielder Tyler Zupcic (Charlotte, N.C./Providence). Left-handed pitcher Tyler Jackson (Jonesville, N.C./Starmount) was a 2-A all-state selection.