Cross made a major impact after joining the team in August, going 3-0 with a 1.60 ERA. In five games (three starts), he struck out 26 while walking three and giving up 24 hits in 28 innings. Cross split the 2009 season between Florence (Frontier League) and Wichita (American Association). 85% of his innings came with Wichita, where he recorded a 5.21 ERA in seven games (two starts). In 19 innings, he allowed 18 hits and 17 walks while striking out 13. Cross pitched at Virginia Tech from 2006-through-2008. His best season was as a junior in 2007, when he was 1-2 with a 2.89 ERA. In six games (four starts), he pitched 28 innings, allowing 19 hits and 11 walks while striking out 35.