The KC Royals had a very good week by winning two Interleague Series, one each on the road and at Kauffman Stadium (though they still have the worst home record in baseball at 11-20). They went 5-1 last week and are now 29-35 overall. The Royals are just five games back in the America League Central.
Omaha‘s ten game winning streak came to an end on Saturday after losing the second game of their doubleheader. Last week, the Storm Chasers went 5-2 and are 44-27 overall. They have a commanding 14 game lead in the Pacific Coast League’s American Northern Division. They have off today before a four-game set at home against Memphis.
It was a tough week for NW Arkansas, as they went just 2-5. The Naturals dropped to a second-place tie at 35-33 in the Texas League’s North Division (five games back). They begin an eight-game homestand that leads up to the TL All-Star break.
Wilmington‘s tough first half came to an end on Sunday, as they lost their 41st game (tied for most in their history). Last week, the Blue Rocks went 1-6 and finished the first half with a 29-41 record (third place in the Carolina League’s Northern Division). They will enjoy the next three days off for the All-Star break before embarking on a seven-game road trip beginning in Carolina.
It was also a tough week for Kane County, who also went just 1-6. The Cougars finished the first half in the Midwest League with a 34-36 record, fifth place in the Western Division. They too will enjoy the All-Star break (though it’s four games and the Cougars are the host) before a short three-game road trip to Clinton.
Hitter of the Week
Majors: Billy Butler made the most of his at-bats this week. In five games (12 at-bats), he hit .417. His big hit came during Sunday’s marathon game. Butler hit a pinch-hit, two-out solo homerun to tie the game and send it into extra innings (which the Royals won in 15 innings).
Honorable Mention: Starters Vin Mazzaro and Bruce Chen. Both picked up singles during Interleague Play and Chen‘s came via a pinch-hit appearance.
Minors: Jorge Bonifacio had hits in six of seven games. He went 13-for-31 (.419) with four runs scored and 15 RBIs. He also had four doubles and two homeruns. The outfielder will be representing Kane County in Tuesday night’s All-Star Game.
Pitcher of the Week
Majors: Luis Mendoza looked like the pitcher who dominated this spring in his last two starts. He carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning on June 12th before giving up a leadoff single to Ryan Braun. Overall, Mendoza allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks over 12.1 innings. He struck out nine.
Minors: Everett Teaford, Omaha. He was optioned back to the minors after his rehab stint was over. In two appearances (one start), he allowed just one run over eight innings. In picking up two victories, Teaford allowed seven hits and two walks while striking out four.
