Ben Paxton, a 2005 graduate of St. Albans High, recently signed a contract with the Houston Astros.

Paxton pitched this past summer for the Evansville Otters of the independent Frontier League, finishing with a 1.12 earn run average in 40 innings. The Astros bought his contract Nov. 3 and will assign him to the high Class A affiliate in Lancaster, Calif.

Paxton, who made two NCAA tournament appearances for Western Kentucky, was named the No. 4 prospect in independent professional leagues in October by Baseball America.

Paxton pitched this past summer for the Evansville Otters of the independent Frontier League, finishing with a 1.12 earn run average in 40 innings. The Astros bought his contract Nov. 3 and will assign him to the high Class A affiliate in Lancaster, Calif.

Paxton, who made two NCAA tournament appearances for Western Kentucky, was named the No. 4 prospect in independent professional leagues in October by Baseball America.