Hope in Beantown

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2024 MLB Top Game Performances

A look at the top batting and pitching game performances during the 2024 MLB regular season. While Boston did not make the pitching list, Tyler O'Neill tied for 5th best overall with a 102 score, and Rafael Devers tied for 9th (96 score) and 11th (94 score) best overall.

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2024 MLB Playoffs

After a grueling 162 game schedule over a six-month period, it all comes down to these twelve teams vying to become World Series champion. The American League battle starts with a Wild Card match-up that has the the Boston Red Sox traveling to take on the Kansas City Royals, and the Baltimore Orioles squaring off against the Minnesota Twins. In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers travel east to take on the Atlanta Braves, while the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres will battle.

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Amador Claims NL Rookie of the Month

In a season already brimming with promise, Colorado’s emerging infield talent Adael Amador added another highlight to his résumé today, being named the National League Rookie of the Month for the 3rd time this season. The 21-year-old capped September with a confident, well-rounded offensive surge, batting .290 while launching seven home runs and driving in 24 runs.

Amador’s poise has been one of the club’s brightest storylines. Throughout the year, he has showcased a mature, disciplined swing that belies his age, and the numbers reflect that consistency: a .316 season average, 104 runs batted in, 25 home runs, and 121 runs scored. Those totals place him firmly among the most productive first-year players in franchise history.

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Povich Nabs AL Rookie of the Month Honors

Baltimore’s promising left-hander Cade Povich capped an eye-opening stretch on Monday when he was named the American League Rookie of the Month, a well-deserved reward for a September that put the league on notice.

In five starts, Povich went 3–0 while piling up 37 strikeouts, carving through opposing lineups with a fastball that carried late life and a curveball that seemed to sharpen with each outing. His 2.80 ERA over 35.1 innings wasn’t just solid—it was the backbone of a Baltimore staff pushing for stability in a tight playoff stretch run.

This breakout month adds an intriguing layer to what has already been a promising campaign for the 24-year-old. Povich now sits at 12–7 on the season, compiling 182 strikeouts against 56 walks in 171.1 innings with a 4.25 ERA.

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Glasnow Claims NL Pitcher of the Month After Stellar September

Los Angeles, CA — Every time the Los Angeles manager penciled Glasnow onto the lineup card this September, he did so with growing confidence. Tyler Glasnow rewarded that trust, turning the final month into a commanding 5–1 record and a 2.45 ERA across six starts, covering 47.2 innings while striking out 50, as opponents managed just a .159 batting average against him.

Those numbers were more than enough to earn Glasnow recognition from the baseball writers, who named him the National League Pitcher of the Month. The honor caps a strong year for Glasnow, who has posted a 19–7 record with a 3.63 ERA in 35 starts.

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Verlander Named AL Pitcher of the Month

When Justin Verlander takes the mound, the Houston Astros can usually count on walking away with a win. The veteran right-hander delivered a dominant month, posting a spotless 5–0 record and a 2.87 ERA across six starts. Over 47 innings, he struck out 43 hitters and limited opponents to a modest .213 batting average, consistently setting the tone for Houston’s late-season push. That run of excellence earned Verlander the American League’s Pitcher of the Month award, announced earlier today.

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Riley’s Red-Hot September Earns NL Batter of the Month Honors

Atlanta, GA — Austin Riley joked that the baseball “looked as big as a beach ball” throughout September, and the numbers back up every word of it. The Atlanta third baseman’s torrid stretch at the plate earned him the National League’s Batter of the Month Award. Riley was nearly unstoppable during the month, producing a blistering .424 batting average while launching 10 home runs, 23 runs, 27 RBI, and a .495 on-base percentage. For the season, Riley has maintained a steady .274 average, belting 31 home runs and collecting 112 RBI across 154 games.

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Alvarez’s Scorching Month Leads to AL Batter of the Month

Yordan Alvarez spent September punishing American League pitchers, and the league took notice. The Houston slugger was named the AL Batter of the Month after assembling one of the most dominant stretches of his career. Across 25 games, Alvarez tore through opposing staffs with a .381 average, smashing 11 home runs, driving in 33 and crossing the plate 25 times. For the year, Alvarez continues to post MVP-caliber numbers, batting .291 with 179 hits, 51 homers, 137 RBI, 111 runs, and a .379 on-base percentage.

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Texas League Honors Top Hitters

A blend of rising talent and established standouts headlined today’s announcement of the Texas League Platinum Stick Award winners, recognizing the most productive offensive performers at each position during the 2024 season. The selections reflect a year marked by power surges, breakout campaigns, and several remarkably well-rounded stat lines across the Texas League.

Arkansas Travelers catcher Harry Ford claimed top honors behind the plate with a .301 batting average paired with a .426 on-base percentage that anchored a 144 wRC+, while hitting 19 homers and 23 steals. At first base, Joey Loperfido of the Corpus Christi Hooks earned recognition by slugging 30 home runs and a .390 OBP fueled a strong 129 wRC+ across nearly 500 at-bats. Midland RockHounds second baseman Max Muncy pieced together a complete offensive season with a .309/.390/.522 slashline and 23 homers that generated 4.7 WAR. The third base award was won by Cayden Wallace of Northwest Arkansas, whose 29 home runs and impressive .566 slugging percentage and 139 wRC+ led to 4 WAR. Shortstop Jesús Bastidas, also of Northwest Arkansas, led the way with a .290 average with 24 long balls and a .392 OBP.

In left field, Corpus Christi’s Colin Barber produced a 1.044 OPS, 171 wRC+, and 25 home runs. The center-field honor went to Arkansas standout Jonatan Clase who paired elite power and speed to electrifying effect to produce 32 homers, 17 steals, and a .630 slugging mark that delivered a 160 wRC+ and 6.3 WAR in just 346 at-bats. Springfield’s Nathan Church secured the right-field award on the strength of a .318 average, .417 OBP, and 137 wRC+. Rounding out the honorees, Corpus Christi designated hitter Luis Baez captured the DH award after leading the league with 41 home runs and driving in 105 runs with a .320 batting average and .611 slugging percentage.

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Birmingham Sluggers Lead the Way as Southern League Unveils 2024 Platinum Stick Winners

Birmingham, AL — A blend of breakout performers and established sluggers were honored today as the Southern League announced its 2024 Platinum Stick Award winners, recognizing the most productive hitters at each position across the circuit.

The Birmingham Barons, who fielded one of the league’s most imposing offenses, dominated the selections with five honorees. First baseman Oscar Colas headlined the group, batting .322 with 28 homers and a 150 wRC+. He was joined by second baseman Jacob Gonzalez (.381/.444/.650; 184 wRC+), third baseman Wilfred Veras (33 homers, .621 slugging percentage), left fielder Peyton Burdick (.299, 24 HR), and DH Zach DeLoach (.388 OBP, 20 HR) rounded out Birmingham’s award haul.

The Montgomery Biscuits placed two players on the list. Catcher Logan Driscoll earned his first Platinum Stick on the strength of a balanced offensive campaign that included 20 home runs and a .478 slugging mark. At shortstop, Carson Williams smacked 29 homers and posted a .367 on-base percentage.

In the outfield, Pensacola’s Victor Mesa Jr. broke through with a standout performance in center field, delivering a polished .302 average and 18 homers while adding value on the bases. Right fielder Jordyn Adams of Rocket City showcased the explosive mix of power and speed that has long made him one of the league’s most intriguing talents, finishing with 30 home runs and 20 steals.

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Bielak Captures PCL Outstanding Pitcher Award

Brandon Bielak of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys has been honored with the Pacific Coast League’s Outstanding Pitcher Award, adding a notable new trophy to his collection after a season defined by durability and consistency. The 28-year-old right-hander took the mound 24 times and logged an impressive 176.2 innings, finishing with a 10–10 record and a 3.92 ERA. Bielak allowed 157 hits while striking out 154 and issuing 71 walks, holding opposing hitters to a .243 average.

Bielak earned 7 of the 10 available first-place votes, comfortably topping the ballot with 60 points. His teammate J.P. France secured second place with 2 first-place votes and 41 points, giving the Space Cowboys a sweep of the top two spots. Bobby Miller of the Oklahoma City Dodgers placed third with 26 points.

   Player                   Team                1st Place   Total Pts

Brandon Bielak	     Sugar Land Space Cowboys	   7	       60
J.P. France	     Sugar Land Space Cowboys	   2	       41
Bobby Miller	     Oklahoma City Dodgers	   0	       26
Michael Lorenzen     Round Rock Express		   1	       22
Dallas Keuchel	     Tacoma Rainiers		   0	        9
Cody Bradford	     Round Rock Express		   0	        6
Brayan Perez	     Tacoma Rainiers		   0	        6

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Lugo, Restituyo Shine as 2024 Eastern League Platinum Stick Award Winners Announced

The Eastern League revealed its 2024 Platinum Stick Award recipients today, honoring a full slate of hitters whose offensive production stood out across the league. The awards, given annually to the top offensive performer at each position, highlighted a mix of seasoned prospects and fast-rising breakout stars who consistently powered their clubs throughout the year.

Behind the plate, Erie’s Josh Crouch earned recognition after hitting for a .303 average and .501 slugging percentage reflected by his 15 home runs and 121 wRC+. At first base, Altoona’s Joe Perez provided the Curve with a reliable middle-of-the-order force with his 26 home runs, .376 on-base percentage, and .516 slugging. Altoona also claimed the award at second base with Termarr Johnson who paired elite on-base prowess (.410) with 18 home runs, 16 steals, and 127 wRC+. At third base, Bowie’s Mac Horvath broke out as one of the league’s most dangerous sluggers, smashing 38 home runs and a .573 slugging percentage that helped him compile an impressive 3.5 WAR. Shortstop honors went to Portland’s Matthew Lugo, whose thumped the ball to the tune of a .342 batting average, 15 homers, and 6 steals that led to a 151 wRC+.

In left field, Altoona’s George Valera showed refined plate discipline and power, producing a .407 OBP and .540 slugging percentage. His 23 home runs and double-digit steals displayed his versatility as a run creator, making him one of the Curve’s most dependable offensive catalysts. Erie’s TJ Hopkins took home center-field honors behind a season defined by impactful power. His .560 slugging percentage and 25 home runs gave the SeaWolves a consistent threat in the heart of the order, while his 3.1 WAR highlighted the overall value of his performance. Hartford’s Bladimir Restituyo, the league’s most valuable offensive outfielder by WAR (4.4), earned the right-field award after hitting .338 and 19 home runs. Finally, Richmond DH Victor Bericoto rounded out the 2024 Platinum Stick recipients with his 29 home runs and a .605 slugging percentage.

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Red Sox Roll to Dominant Wildcard Win Behind Houck’s Complete Game

Kansas City, MO — The Boston Red Sox opened their 2024 postseason with a commanding performance Tuesday night, overwhelming the Kansas City Royals 11–2 at Kauffman Stadium in the first game of the American League Wildcard Series. The victory gives Boston a 1–0 lead in the best-of-three matchup.

Right-hander Tanner Houck (1-0) was the undisputed centerpiece of the night, turning in a complete-game masterpiece. Houck scattered six hits, struck out six, and allowed just two runs; one of them coming on a solo homer by Michael Massey in the second inning. Houck faced 34 batters and threw 123 pitches, maintaining control from the opening frame through the final out; Game Score 72.

Boston’s lineup wasted no time backing their starter, as Triston Casas launched a three-run homer in the first, sparking a seven-run outburst across the first two innings. The Red Sox chased Royals starter Seth Lugo (0-1) in just 1⅔ innings after allowing seven earned runs; Game Score 12. Jarren Duran added a solo shot in the fourth, while Kyle Teel contributed another blast in the third. Altogether, Boston piled up 12 hits, including multi-hit games from Rafael Devers, Casas, Duran, and Tommy Edman.

Kansas City mustered only sporadic offense, with Bobby Witt Jr.’s two hits providing the bulk of their production outside Massey’s homer. The Royals’ bullpen steadied the game after the early surge, but the deficit was far too large to overcome. The Red Sox will look to wrap up the series tomorrow night, while the Royals attempt to extend their season in front of the home crowd at Kauffman Stadium.

Player of the Game: Tanner Houck (Season: #13)

American League Wildcard Round: Leading 1-0

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VanScoter Claims Texas League’s Top Pitching Honor

There’s a little less open space on Reid VanScoter’s mantel this week. The Arkansas Travelers left-hander was named the 2024 Texas League Outstanding Pitcher, capping a season in which his steady dominance anchored the club’s rotation and earned him near-unanimous support from voters. VanScoter, 25, posted a sparkling 2.28 ERA across 86.2 innings, finishing 5–4 while striking out 83 against just 23 walks.

The award voting reflected that control: VanScoter secured 9 of 10 first-place votes and 67 total points. Northwest Arkansas right-hander Mason Barnett collected the remaining first-place vote and finished second with 40 points, while Wichita’s Vladimir Gutierrez took third. The full voting results underscored the gap between VanScoter and the rest of the field:

   Player                      Team                 1st Place   Total Pts

Reid VanScoter		Arkansas Travelers		9 	   67
Mason Barnett		Northwest Arkansas Naturals	1	   40
Vladimir Gutierrez	Wichita Wind Surge		0	   28
Noah Cameron		Northwest Arkansas Naturals 	0	   17
Yu-min Lin		Amarillo Sod Poodles		0	   10
Liam Norris		Amarillo Sod Poodles		0	    4
Ricky Vanasco		Tulsa Drillers			0	    3
Colton Gordon-Zimring	Corpus Christi Hooks		0	    1

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Jobe Dominates En Route to Eastern League Pitching Honor

Erie SeaWolves right-hander Jackson Jobe capped a dazzling 2024 campaign by being named the Eastern League Outstanding Pitcher, announced Tuesday. Jobe was dominant in 25 starts, compiling a 13-7 record with a 2.72 ERA over 162.1 innings while striking out 169 batters.

The 21-year-old was a unanimous choice for the award, receiving all 12 first-place votes. Bowie Baysox right-hander Garrett Stallings finished second in the balloting, while Jobe’s SeaWolves teammate Lael Lockhart placed third. Detailed voting is shown as follows:

   Player                   Team                  1st Place     Total Pts

Jackson Jobe		Erie Seawolves		     12		   84
Garrett Stallings 	Bowie Baysox		      0		   38
Lael Lockhart 		Erie SeaWolves 		      0		   27 
Daniel Espino 		Akron RubberDucks 	      0		   24 
Joey Wentz 		Erie SeaWolves 		      0		   11 
Max Castillo 		Reading Fightin Phils 	      0		    6 
Chase Dollander 	Hartford Yard Goats 	      0 	    6 
Wikelman Gonzalez 	Portland Sea Dogs 	      0		    5 
John Michael Bertrand 	Richmond Flying Squirrels     0		    3

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De Los Santos Earns Pacific Coast League MVP Honors

He may have had less experience than many of his Pacific Coast League peers, but that didn’t slow Deyvison De Los Santos in 2024. At just 21 years old, the Reno Aces third baseman has been named the Pacific Coast League’s Most Valuable Player after authoring one of the most dominant offensive seasons in recent league history. De Los Santos batted .307 with a .346 on-base percentage while appearing in 135 games, collecting 177 hits, 37 doubles, three triples, 63 home runs, 136 RBI, and 111 runs scored.

De Los Santos received seven of a possible 10 first-place votes and finished with 125 total points to secure the award. Tacoma Rainiers outfielder Cade Marlowe placed second with three first-place votes and 100 points, while Andy Pages of the Oklahoma City Dodgers finished third with 85 points. Reno placed four players among the top eight vote-getters, underscoring the club’s offensive firepower during the 2024 campaign.

   Player                   Team                  1st Place    Total Pts

Deyvison De Los Santos	  Reno Aces		      7		  125
Cade Marlowe 		  Tacoma Rainiers 	      3 	  100
Andy Pages 		  Oklahoma City Dodgers       0 	   85
Tyler Locklear 		  Tacoma Rainiers 	      0 	   59
Jason Martin 		  Salt Lake Bees	      0	 	   59
Emmanuel Rivera 	  Reno Aces 		      0 	   53
Ivan Melendez 		  Reno Aces	 	      0 	   34
Blaze Alexander 	  Reno Aces 		      0 	   24
Ismael Munguia 		  Sacramento River Cats       0 	   19
Sandro Fabian 		  Round Rock Express  	      0  	   11
Sam Huff 		  Round Rock Express 	      0 	   11
Brandon Bielak 		  Sugar Land Space Cowboys    0 	    5
Casey Schmitt 		  Sacramento River Cats       0 	    3
Jo Adell 		  Salt Lake Bees 	      0 	    1
J.P. France 		  Sugar Land Space Cowboys    0 	    1

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Lowder Named Southern League Outstanding Pitcher

When Rhett Lowder’s name appeared on the Chattanooga Lookouts’ lineup card in 2024, it was often a sign that the club was in for a strong night on the mound. That consistency and dominance were recognized today as Lowder was named the Southern League Outstanding Pitcher Award winner.

The right-hander made 24 starts on the season, compiling a 12–7 record with a 3.46 ERA. Over 153.2 innings, Lowder limited opponents to a .252 batting average while striking out 164 batters, issuing 54 walks and allowing 147 hits. Lowder’s excellence left little doubt in the voting. He received all eight first-place votes to finish as the unanimous selection for the award. Joe Rock of the Montgomery Biscuits finished second in the balloting, followed by Nick Bennett of the Biloxi Shuckers in third.

   Player              Team             1st Place    Total Pts

Rhett Lowder	Chattanooga Lookouts	    8		56
Joe Rock	Montgomery Biscuits	    0		23
Nick Bennett	Biloxi Shuckers		    0		19
Trevor Martin	Montgomery Biscuits	    0		16
Hurston Waldrep	Mississippi Braves	    0		10
Brady Choban	Rocket City Trash Pandas    0		 9
Cole Wilcox	Montgomery Biscuits	    0		 3

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Red Sox Finish Sweep of Royals, Set Up Division Series Clash

Kansas City, MO — The Boston Red Sox continued their strong postseason run Wednesday night, defeating the Kansas City Royals 6–2 to complete a two-game sweep in the American League Wildcard Series and advance to the Division Series.

Boston seized control early, scoring four runs in the second inning led by Ceddanne Rafaela delivering the key two-run homer to center field. The Red Sox lineup consistently pressured Kansas City pitching with timely contact, including 3 extra-base hits and drawing 3 walks. Boston added two more runs in the third to extend the lead to 6–0, effectively putting the game out of reach. Right-hander Kutter Crawford (1-0) was dominant on the mound for Boston, working 7 1/3 innings and allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out seven; Game Score 60. He kept the Royals off balance all night and earned the win, with Nick Pivetta closing out the final 5 outs in relief. Kansas City managed solo scoring chances later in the game, led by Salvador Perez (3 for 3, 2 Doubles) and Maikel Garcia (2 for 4), but could not string together enough offense to threaten seriously.

Triston Casas capped an impressive series at the plate and was named series MVP after hitting .500 (4 for 8) with a double, home run, three runs, three RBI, and one walk across the two games. The Royals, who outhit Boston 9–8 on Wednesday, were undone by missed opportunities and an early deficit they could not erase. With the victory, the Red Sox moved on to face the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series, scheduled to begin Friday, as Boston looks to carry its momentum deeper into the 2024 postseason.

Player of the Game: Kutter Crawford (Season: #15)

American League Wildcard Round: Wins 2-0
American League Wildcard Round MVP: Triston Casas

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Barber Named 2024 MVP After Standout Season

Colin Barber’s breakout year was rewarded on Tuesday as the Corpus Christi Hooks outfielder was named the 2024 Texas League Most Valuable Player. The 23-year-old left fielder turned in one of the league’s most complete offensive seasons, batting .330 with a .451 on-base percentage. Barber collected 138 hits, including 29 doubles, three triples and 25 home runs, while driving in 84 runs and scoring 78 more. His combination of power, plate discipline and consistency anchored the Hooks’ lineup throughout the season.

Barber earned five of a possible 10 first-place votes and finished with 113 total points to secure the award. Teammate Luis Baez placed second with three first-place votes and 99 points, while Jonatan Clase of the Arkansas Travelers finished third after receiving two first-place votes and 97 points. Corpus Christi players featured prominently in the voting, with Barber, Baez, Kenedy Corona, and Joey Loperfido all appearing on ballots. The strong showing underscored the Hooks’ depth and offensive production during the 2024 campaign. Barber accepted the award earlier today, capping a season that firmly established him as one of the league’s premier young hitters.

   Player                Team           1st Place   Total Pts

Colin Barber	  Corpus Christi Hooks	    5	       113
Luis Baez	  Corpus Christi Hooks	    3	        99
Jonatan Clase	  Arkansas Travelers	    2	        97
A.J. Vukovich	  Amarillo Sod Poodles	    0	        59
Harry Ford	  Arkansas Travelers	    0	        50
Max Muncy	  Midland RockHounds	    0	        49
Cayden Wallace	  Northwest Arkansas 	    0	        46
Jordan Diaz	  Midland RockHounds	    0	        39
Kenedy Corona	  Corpus Christi Hooks	    0	        19
Reid VanScoter	  Arkansas Travelers	    0	        12
Joey Loperfido	  Corpus Christi Hooks	    0	         3
Brett Harris	  Midland RockHounds	    0	         2
Jesus Bastidas	  Northwest Arkansas 	    0	         1
Jon Ornelas	  Frisco RoughRiders	    0	         1

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Gonzalez Named Southern League MVP

Birmingham, AL — At just 22 years old, Jacob Gonzalez already looks like a player with a bright future, and his 2024 season was strong enough to earn the Southern League’s highest individual honor. The Birmingham Barons second baseman was named the Southern League Most Valuable Player after a dominant year at the plate, winning the award unanimously with all eight first-place votes.

“See the ball, hit the ball,” Gonzalez said. “That’s my basic approach.” The approach worked to near perfection. Gonzalez led the league with a .381 batting average and posted a .444 on-base percentage while appearing in 99 games. He totaled 163 hits, including 27 doubles, two triples and 28 home runs, drove in 82 runs and scored 93 times, anchoring Birmingham’s offense throughout the season.

Matt Shaw of the Tennessee Smokies finished second in the voting, followed by Birmingham outfielder Oscar Colas in third. Gonzalez’s breakout campaign not only separated him from the rest of the league in 2024, but also hinted that his best baseball may still be ahead of him.

   Player                Team             1st Place   Total Pts

Jacob Gonzalez	   Birmingham Barons	      8	         112
Matt Shaw	   Tennessee Smokies	      0	          72
Oscar Colas	   Birmingham Barons	      0	          64
Wilfred Veras	   Birmingham Barons	      0	          54
Carson Williams	   Montgomery Biscuits	      0	          50
Victor Mesa Jr.    Pensacola Blue Wahoos      0	          28
Jordyn Adams	   Rocket City Trash Pandas   0	          26
Luis Verdugo	   Tennessee Smokies	      0	          24
Will Benson	   Chattanooga Lookouts	      0	          23
Peyton Burdick	   Birmingham Barons	      0	          15
Rhett Lowder	   Chattanooga Lookouts	      0	           4