By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

Kela off to a good start

Chief Sealth graduate Keone Kela has been a solid performer so far for the Pittsburgh Pirates since his trade from the Texas Rangers, although he has been used as a right-handed setup man out of the bullpen and not as a closer as he was with Texas.

Kela has thrown eight innings total for Pittsburgh, one each in his eight appearances, posting a 1.13 earned run average with 10 strikeouts and only three walks. Kela has an 0-0 record for the Pirates.

Kelemete tops depth chart

Evergreen graduate Senio Kelemete still tops the depth chart at right guard for the Houston Texans in his first training camp with the National Football League team after coming over as a free agent from the New Orleans Saints.

Barnette goes on disabled list

Thomas Jefferson graduate Tony Barnette has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list for the Texas Rangers retroactive to July 8. The right-handed reliever is suffering from a right shoulder strain and is not expected back until possibly September, although he has been playing catch since Aug. 6.

Barnette has a 2-0, 2.39 record for the  Rangers with 26 strikeouts and only five walks over 26.1 innings and 22 games.

Brett in independent league

Highline graduate Ryan Brett is now playing second base for the Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association of Independent Pro Baseball. He had been playing for the Birmingham Barons and Charlotte Knights of the Chicago White Sox organization earlier this year.

Mann still with Round Rock

Mount Rainier graduate Brandon Mann is now pitching regularly for the Round Rock Express of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League after splitting time between that team and the parent Texas Rangers earlier in the season.

Mann has a 4-1 record for Round Rock with a 2.59 earned run average over 48.2 innings and 33 games. The left-hander has 41 strikeouts.

Mann is no longer being carried on the Rangers’ 40-man roster, however.

Tanielu plays third for Fresno

Federal Way graduate Nick Tanielu is now playing third base for the Fresno Grizzlies of the Pacific Coast League and the Houston Astros’ organization and made an appearance in Tacoma over the weekend.

The former Washington State University player was at Cheney Stadium for the Rainiers’ Cougar Night festivities on Saturday.

McPherson now a junior at UW

Kennedy graduate and West Seattle resident Shayne McPherson is entering her junior season with the University of Washington volleyball team.

Ballard’s Bwana is a Husky

Ballard graduate Handwalla Bwana is now a junior for the University of Washington men’s soccer team that plays its regular season in the fall. Bwana is a midfielder.

Rita with Washington State

Highline graduate Jamie Rita is now a sophomore midfielder for the Washington State University soccer squad.

Fewing coaching Seattle U

Highline graduate Pete Fewing has served the past 22 years as the Seattle University men’s soccer coach.

Kasim is a Redhawk

West Seattle and Highline Community College graduate Akili Kasim is now a sophomore goalkeeper for Fewing’s Seattle University men’s soccer team.

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