ROME, Ga. - Former College of Charleston pitcher David Peterson has signed a professional contract with the Atlanta Braves and will begin his pro career with the Rome Braves in Rome, Ga. Peterson was drafted by the Braves in the eighth round of the 2012 MLB Entry Draft.

A native of Walnut Creek, Calif., Peterson led the Cougars with 10 saves which ranked third in the Southern Conference in 2012. He finished with a 3.40 ERA and a record of 1-3 as the team's closer. He finished his four-year CofC career ranked in the Top 10 in school history in wins (21), strikeouts (211), saves (10) and innings pitched (291.0).

The Rome Braves are the Class-A minor league affiliate of Atlanta, previously located in Macon, Ga. Rome plays in the South Atlantic League (SAL), which is also home to the Charleston RiverDogs. The RiverDogs will host the Braves at Joe Riley Park on July 23-26.