Drafted in the 6th round by the Boston Red Sox in 2009, Branden Kline comes to the Newport Gulls after choosing to attend the University of Virginia.  In 2010 Branden started 6 games and appeared in 17 for the Cavaliers.  He finished 4-0 with a sparkling 3.04 ERA and 2 saves.  In 50 innings pitched batters hit just .219 while striking out 41 times and walking just 14.  Branden was named 2009 Louisville Slugger Player of the Year for Maryland and rated the No. 1 prospect in Maryland by Perfect Game.  He was named 1st Team All-State and All-Metro in 2009 as well as the 2009 Monocacy Valley Athletics Conference Pitcher of the Year and Frederick County Player of the Year.  He recorded a 0.51 ERA his senior year, throwing 41 innings, striking out 79 while walked only 12.  Branden’s parents are Linda Kline and Gary Bowens, and he has one brother, Christopher Bowens.  Branden is also college teammates with Gulls infielder Chris Taylor.