QUEBEC, Que. – Former University of Dayton baseball pitcher Sam Brunner has signed a contract to play with the Quebec Capitales of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, the league announced late last week. 

"This opportunity to play for the Capitales is an absolute blessing," Brunner said. "I thought my career was done, so to get a call from the coaching staff here was just the best thing ever."

Brunner was officially signed by Quebec on August 11 and has seen action in three games thus far. The Fort Collins, Colo. native has thrown six innings and has a 1-0 record for the Capitales, striking out six batters in his limited work.

"This is well deserved for Sam," said Dayton head coach Tony Vittorio. "He was a very consistent pitcher for us in his two years at UD and somebody we could rely on." During his two years as a Flyer, Brunner made an impact with his attitude and work ethic, earning the CAM 10 award. 

The right-handed hurler amassed seven saves in his two seasons with the Flyers, throwing 90 innings and striking out 76 opponents in his career.

"I don't know what's coming next or how long this opportunity will last," Brunner said. "But I know that I'm not taking a single day for granted. I could not feel any more fortunate."

The Can-Am League consists of six teams located in Little Falls, N.J., Ottawa, Ontario, Pomona, N.Y., Quebec City, Quebec, Sussex County, N.J., and Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. Brunner and the Capitales currently sit in second place with a record of 45-34.