Washington Nationals Minor Leagues: Players Of The Week (6/22-6/28)
By Ricky Keeler
(Photo Credit: MILB.com)
Hagerstown Suns (36-35)
Hitter Of The Week: RF Dale Carey (.243, 6 HR, 27 RBI’s)
The Suns only played three games this week because of rain and the South Atlantic League All-Star Game being played. Carey had a hit in each of the three games and went 3-for-11 with a home run, two RBI’s, and two stolen bases.
His home run occurred on June 25 against the Delmarva Shorebirds (Baltimore Orioles). He hit a two-run home run in the third innings as part of a seven run third inning for Hagerstown, but the team would lose 9-7. After hitting near .300 in May, Carey is only hitting .209 in the month of June. But, he does have some momentum as he comes into today’s doubleheader on a five game hitting streak.
Honorable Mention: C Matt Reistetter (.384, 1 HR, 15 RBI’s)
Normally, Reistetter does not get much playing time with the Suns because he is the backup catcher to Raudy Reid. However, he makes the list this week for the clutch hit he had yesterday in Hagerstown’s 11-8 12-inning win over the Shorebirds.
In the top of the ninth inning, with two outs, Reistetter hit a game-tying three-run homer to keep the Suns in the ball game. It was his first home run of the season. He is the backup, but he does have a seven game hit streak and is 10-for-25 this month. At least, when the 23-year-old gets to play, he makes the most of his opportunity.
Pitcher Of The Week: P Connor Bach (1-1, 3.56)
Connor Bach made his lone appearance of the week out of the bullpen, but he was able to keep the Suns in striking distance after a rough outing by Matt Purke on June 26. He went 5.1 no-hit innings, struck out six batters, and walked one against Delmarva.
All season long, we have touched on the fact that Bach has a high amount of walks this season (30 walks in 14 games). That being said, Bach has given up one run in his last 9.1 innings. The 23-year-old left-hander had an excellent outing, which makes him our pitcher of the week.
Honorable Mention: RP Jake Walsh (1-0, 0.00)
The 24-year-old left-hander has only made seven appearances for the Suns this season, but he had Hagerstown’s only win this week. Yesterday, he threw the final 2.2 innings of the Suns’ 12-inning win. He gave up no runs on two hits, struck out two, and walked one in his first win of the season.
In nearly eight innings of work, the 34th round pick of the Nats in the 2013 MLB Draft has yet to allow a run and has three saves in as many chances. Last season, in Hagerstown and Potomac, he went 4-2 with a 1.56 ERA in 37 outings and was 12-for-13 on saves.
Next: New York-Penn League