Corvallis Knights alum and 2009 West Coast League Pitcher of the Year Matt Andriese (pictured) made his 2016 debut with the Tampa Bay Rays extra special as the right-hander pitched in front of friends and family, including his mom Lynn, at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Mother’s Day.

Andriese, a native of Redlands, California, grew up rooting for the Angels. He stymied the Halos on Sunday allowing only 4 hits and one run over 7 innings pitched to earn the win in the Rays 3-1 victory.

Matt pitched collegiately at UC Riverside. His summer performance following his frosh spring earned Andriese WCL Pitcher of the Year honors.

The Highlanders have a long history of placing players in the West Coast League. Their current head coach is former MLB closer Troy Percival of the Angels.