April 15, 2004

Winston-Salem, N.C. - Wake Forest freshman closer Lee Land underwent successful Tommy John surgery on March 23 and is expected to be out of action up to one year, possibly returning in time for conference play in 2005. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews of Birmingham, Ala.

In his rookie season, the native of Durham, had quickly emerged as the Deacons' top reliever. In seven appearances spanning 10.1 innings, Land had not allowed a run. He owned a 1-0 record and two saves with nine strikeouts and two walks. Land's final appearance in 2004 came against Indiana State on March 14, just five days before the beginning of the conference schedule.

Land was a 13th round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates last summer out of Riverside High School in Durham.

The Demon Deacons (11-21, 1-11 ACC) begin a three-game weekend series tomorrow in Raleigh against NC State.