Gavin Downs, a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection from Fort Wayne, IN, has made 28 appearances, including 16 starts and 102 innings pitched, in his career with the Boilermakers.  The 6’0 righty, who played on two straight Class 4A state Championship teams at Carroll High School, has used grit and craft to build his career at Purdue.  Last season, on a team that managed a 13-37 record, Downs was Purdue’s top pitcher with a 4.26 ERA and a 3-6 record in 74 innings of work.  Without an overpowering arm, Downs posted 27 strikeouts and 20 walks as he forced opponents to get the ball in play, but has earned the respect of Purdue Head Coach Doug Schreiber who calls him “one of the strongest competitors on the team with command of three pitches, including a plus change-up.”  Downs has already made 16 appearances in 2015, posting a 6.68 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 33.2 innings.  Downs will join Boiler teammate Kyle Wood on the Chinook’s roster.