Pitcher Ciango commits to NIU baseball

Downers Grove North right-handed pitcher Anthony Ciango gave a verbal commitment to Northern Illinois' baseball program on Sunday, Ciango confirmed Monday evening. Ciango is a 6-foot-1 pitcher and an incoming senior at Downers Grove North.

"I visited the campus on Saturday," Ciango said. "The coaches showed me around the campus, I just fell in love with the campus. I love their athletic program."

Ciango went 3-3 as a junior for the Trojans with 47 strikeouts and 17 walks. He was selected by Illinois high school baseball coaches to play for Team Illinois in the 2010 Midwest Classic Tournament. As a sophomore, Ciango was 4-2 with 26 strikeouts and 13 walks.

"I try to stay aggressive with my fastball, just pound the strike zone, mix my pitches and hit my spots," Ciango said.