Erwin bolts Cats for Phillies deal

The Thunder Bay Border Cats have lost their closer.

Drew Erwin, who tops the Northwoods League with 10 saves, has signed a minor-league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies organization and won’t return to the last-place club following the annual all-star break.

Erwin appeared 20 times for the Cats this summer, compiling a 2-3 record and a 3.98 ERA. The Alvin, Texas native had 15 strikeouts in 20.1 innings in his second year in a Thunder Bay uniform. Erwin is expected to report Friday to the Phillies minor league complex in Clearwater, Fla.

The Cats (4-7) made the most of Erwin's absence, blanking St. Cloud 7-0 on Thursday night, the first of 12 straight road games the team will play during the World Junior Baseball Championship.

Michael Woytek tossed six innings of five-hit, shutout ball to earn the win. Ty Wosleger went 2-for-5 at the dish and drove home three to pace the offence.