Amherst graduate Ryan Rua, who was drafted 534th overall in the 17th round by the Texas Rangers, was assigned to the Spokane Indians, of the Northwest League.

Rua and his Spokane team open up the season on Friday in its home opener against Salem-Keizer.

Rua, who was ranked as the fourth-highest draftable prospect in Division II by Baseball America before the season, batted an even .400 for the second-straight season and set Lake Erie single-season records with 68 hits and 19 stolen bases. He also led the team with 44 RBIs, 42 runs scored and 16 doubles while tying for the team lead with five home runs. Rua slugged a team-high .594 and had a Storm-best 1.031 OPS, starting all 47 games.

For his career, Rua has a .374 average with 27 home runs and 131 RBIs. He finishes with 276 hits and 117 runs while stealing 33 bases. He is the school’s career leader in slugging, homers, RBIs, total bases and stolen base percentage.

swalker@MorningJournal.com