The KC Royals had a tough week. They went just 1-5 and are coming off being swept in Pittsburgh this weekend. They dropped to just a 1/2 game ahead of Minnesota for last place in the American League Central (24-34). The Royals continue Interleague Play this week, as they welcome Milwaukee to town for three games beginning on Tuesday.
Omaha went 5-1 this past week. The Storm Chasers have won five in a row and increased their lead in the Pacific Coast League’s American Northern Division to ten games (39-25). They head out on the road to begin a three-game series in Iowa tonight.
NW Arkansas also went 5-1 this past week. Their seven-game winning streak came to an end on Sunday, but the Naturals are now tied for first place in the North Division of the Texas League (33-28). They continue their series at Tulsa tonight (who they are tied with).
Wilmington had a tough week. After getting back in the first half divisional race, they have now lost five in a row and went 2-5 this past week. The Blue Rocks dropped to third place in the Carolina League’s Northern Division (five games back) with just seven games left in the first half. They return home to begin a three-game series with Salem tonight.
Kane County went 3-3 this past week. The Cougars are still in third place in the Midwest League’s Western Division (33-30). They are seven games back with seven to go, though the Cougars are just three games back of second place (and the first half wild card spot). They finish up their series at Peoria today before heading to Quad Cities for three games.
Hitter of the Week
Majors: Eric Hosmer. Maybe he has finally broken out of his yearlong slump. In six games last week, he went 6-for-19 (.316) with three doubles, three runs scored, and three RBIs. He also walked three times (compared to two strikeouts) and stole two bases.
Minors: Jason Bourgoeis, Omaha. Maybe the trade from Houston late in spring training was a tough adjustment for Bourgeois. He finally seems to be getting in a groove in Triple-A. Last week, he went 7-for-15 (.467) in four games. He also scored three runs and hit a homerun.
Pitcher of the Week
Majors: Greg Holland. He made four appearances last week, totaling four innings. He did not allow a run. Holland allowed just one hit and a walk while striking out seven. Maybe he has also found his groove.
Minors: Justin Marks, NW Arkansas. Marks was dominant in his two starts for the Naturals last week. He allowed just one run on 12 hits and four walks over 14 innings. He struck out eight. Unfortunately, he picked up no-decisions in each start.
Honorable Mention: Brooks Pounders, Wilmington. Pounders was promoted to Wilmington from Kane County on Saturday and made a relief appearance on Sunday in Winston-Salem. He allowed one hit while striking out two in one inning. On Monday, he made his final start for the Cougars, as he allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out six.
