WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Former Blue Hen closer David Slovak signed a free agent contract with the Washington Nationals this week after finishing his standout career with the University of Delaware baseball team last month.

After signing with the Nationals, Slovak (at right) was assigned to the Vermont Lake Monsters of the New York-Penn League. In his first appearance with the team, he picked up a save on Tuesday after being summoned to work out of a bases-loaded jam, which he successfully did by inducing a game-ending fielder's choice. Yesterday, he made his second appearance, striking out one while allowing only a single hit in two innings of work.

During his two-year stint at Delaware, Slovak solidified his spot as one of the finest relievers in program history. The UD Team Pitcher of the Year as a senior, he tied the all-time program record for career saves with 18. He also made 63 appearances and struck out 92 in 90 innings of work.

As a senior, he led the team with a 2.98 ERA, 28 appearances, and six saves. He also posted 48 strikeouts in his 42.1 innings on the mound. On May 5, he received his second career Pitcher of the Week honor after posting two saves and notching seven strikeouts in five innings. During that stretch, he did not surrender a hit or run.

In his junior campaign, he set single-season records with 12 saves and 35 appearances. A second-team All-Conference selection, he posted a 4.15 ERA to go along with 44 strikeouts in 47.2 innings.

Slovak is one of four Blue Hens from the 2008 squad now playing in minor league baseball. Alex Buchholz, Dan Richardson, and Mike McGuire were all selected in the June Amateur Draft and have started their professional careers. Buchholz is with the Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League, while Richardson and McGuire are alongside Slovak in the New York-Penn League. Richardson is with the Batavia Muckdogs, while McGuire has joined the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.