LOS ANGELES | University of North Georgia redshirt-senior Taylor Keinat has signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the organization announced on Wednesday. Keinat is the third UNG senior to sign a professional deal this year, marking the first time three Nighthawks have gone on to play professional ball in a single year since the program moved to the NCAA.
 
"Taylor is a great kid and has made a tremendous impact on our team during his five years on campus," head coach Tom Cantrell said. "This really couldn't happen to a better person and we're all excited for him to get the opportunity to play professionally."
 
In his four seasons on the mound for North Georgia, Keinat picked up nine wins and six saves, working as one of UNG's most effective late inning relief pitchers in his junior and senior campaigns. The Braselton native had 141 career strikeouts to just 65 walks. Opponents hit just .217 against Keinat in his finally year in Dahlonega.
 
Keinat joins fellow seniors Brandon Agar and Sam Tidaback in moving on to the professional ranks. Tidaback was drafted in the 21st round of the MLB Draft while Agar signed a free agent deal just days after the draft. Since 2010, the Nighthawks have sent seven players into MLB organizations.