Hayward signs pro contract with Dodgers

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – After putting together an outstanding senior season, Vaughn Hayward (Glendale, R.I.) signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday. Hayward will now report to Arizona to begin his professional career.

Hayward becomes the fifth member of the Bulldogs this season to sign with a Major League team. Moved into the starting rotation, Hayward was a consistent force for the Black and Gold. He went 9-2 with a save and a 2.41 ERA in 15 appearances and 13 starts. In 71 innings, Hayward allowed just 63 hits, walked 23 and struck out 47. After dropping his first start of the season against Maryland, Hayward went on to record 24.1 scoreless innings spanning four appearances. His first victory of the season came against N.C. A&T and started a string of eight-straight victories that included a complete-game two-hitter against LIU Brooklyn. Hayward was just as good in his final appearance in the Black and Gold as he tossed 6.1 scoreless innings in the NEC Championship game against Sacred Heart.

In his two years in Smithfield, Hayward went 9-2 with three saves in 36 appearances. He struck out 70 batters in 94.1 innings and posted a 2.19 ERA.