CHILLICOTHE, Ohio - The Chillicothe Paints, presented by Adena Health System, added to their roster with the signing of pitcher Justin Diefenbach for the 2021 season, which begins Thursday, May 27.

A 6-foot-1 righthander, Diefenbach has had a strong start to his junior season at (NCAA DIII) Kean University. He has appeared in two games, including one start, and hasn't allowed a run in his 13 1/3 innings, surrendering four hits and striking out 11 in that span. His 2021 ERA sits at 0.00 and opponents are hitting .098 against him currently.

Diefenbach, a Barnegat, N.J. native, made four appearances in 2020 before COVID-19 shut down the season, striking out five batters in six innings. As a Sophomore in 2019, Diefenbach appeared in three games, recording a pair of strikeouts in three innings. He made 13 appearances for Kean as a Freshman in 2018, including 10 starts. He posted a 4.54 ERA over 69 1/3 innings, striking out 45 and throwing two complete games. Diefenbach was also named New Jersey Athletic Conference Rookie Pitcher of the Week February 26 and April 16. 

Diefenbach attended Barnegat High School prior to Kean University.

Chillicothe hosts the Lafayette Aviators at VA Memorial Stadium Thursday, May 27, at 7:05 p.m. to open the 2021 season, the 28th for the Paints. In addition to $1 draft beer for Thirsty Thursday, there will be a postgame fireworks show presented by 94 Country to celebrate the beginning of the new season. Information regarding tickets, group outings, sponsorship opportunities and more is available by calling (740) 773-TEAM or by emailing the team at paints@bright.net.