Paints Re-Sign Pitcher Justin Diefenbach

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio - The Chillicothe Paints, presented by Adena Health System, have re-signed pitcher Justin Diefenbach for the 2022 season, which begins Wednesday, June 1 at Champion City.

Diefenbach started five games for the Paints a summer ago, appearing out of the bullpen in four others. Over 35 1/3 innings, the right-handed pitcher struck out 21, while walking 13.

Finishing the season on a high note, Diefenbach tossed seven shutout innings against Danville July 17, allowing just three hits, while walking one and striking out five.

Diefenbach was named honorable mention All-New Jersey Athletic Conference after making six appearances and posting a 3.13 ERA, striking out 35 batters and posting a 4-1 record over 46 innings in 2021.

A graduate student at Kean University in New Jersey, Diefenbach has posted a 3-1 record and 2.09 ERA thus far this spring (As of April 8). The Barnegat, N.J. native has made six starts/seven appearances, posting a complete game shutout and allowing 11 earned runs on 30 hits, while walking 10 and striking out 39 over 47 1/3 innings. The 6-foot-1, 195 pound pitcher has held opponents to a .182 batting average.

The Chillicothe Paints open the home portion of their season Thursday, June 2 at VA Memorial Stadium against the Champion City Kings at 7:05 p.m. Draft beer will be just $2 for Thirsty Thursday, thanks to Budweiser, and a Fireworks Extravaganza will follow, sponsored by 94 Country. 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.