The Goldpanners added Michael Benson to their roster late in the off-season. The junior hurler comes over from Pacific University where he has logged 188 career innings as a Tiger with a career ERA of 4.02. The 6’4” right-hander has consistently allowed just about a hit an inning in his collegiate career and has struck out almost twice as many batters (91) as walks (53).

A graduate of Sauguro High School in Scottsdale, AZ., Benson’s team won the Division 4A State Championship while he anchored the staff. Benson posted a 0.45 ERA in 31 innings, including a no-hitter against McClintock High School. He threw three scoreless innings in the ‘Panners’ opening game of the season – a matchup Fairbanks ultimately lost 1-0.