STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Former UW-Stevens Point pitcher Scott Williams (Baraboo) signed a free agent contract with the Washington Nationals and will report to the team's Gulf Coast League affiliate in Vieira Beach, Fla., July 21.

“On behalf of our program, I want to thank Nationals area scout Steve Arnieri and the Washington Nationals for giving Scott the chance to play professional baseball,” said UWSP head baseball coach Pat Bloom, who recently completed his eighth season with the Pointers. “Washington is an organization on the rise, and its minor league staff certainly did a great job preparing former UWSP pitcher Jordan Zimmermann to be successful at the Major League level. “

Williams, a senior right-hander from Baraboo, went undrafted in the 2011 MLB draft after posting an 11-2 record for the Pointers. He pitched 98.0 innings and struck out 101 batters, allowing just 27 walks. His 2.76 ERA was tops among starters.

Williams became UWSP's all-time winningest pitcher in 2011, recording his 27th victory in his final start of the season against Aurora University in the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional.

“I am confident that Scott will show that, like Jordan, he is a polished pitcher whose mound presence and competitive toughness are among his greatest attributes,” said Bloom. “He is certainly deserving of this opportunity, and I am happy for Scott and his family that he has a chance to fulfill his dreams.” 

Williams' signing marks the second UWSP player in as many days to sign a MLB minor league deal, as Boston Red Sox 10th round draft pick Cody Koback (Plover/SPASH) signed his deal and will report to Ft. Meyers, Fla., on Friday.