After an impressive 39-win season and a trip to the NCAA Tournament, several current members of the Kansas baseball team continue to open eyes this for various summer leagues and teams across the country.
Sophomore Casey Lytle Named NECBL Player of the Week
PITTSFIELD, Ma. – Kansas outfielder Casey Lytle, a member of the Pittsfield American Defenders, was named the 2009 New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) Co-Player of the week with Vermont infielder Jantzen Witte (Texas Christian Univ).
Lytle hit .600 last week picking up nine hits in his fifteen at-bats. The sophomore outfielder from Phoenix, AZ has continued his hit hotting this week as he has built up a nine-game hitting streak.
“I’ve been working a lot on my swing,” Lytle said. “It’s great to be honored for playing well. ”
Lytle leads all American Defenders with a .385 batting average, and he also has a home run and seven runs batted in for Pittsfield.
Casey and the American Defenders are back in action tonight as they host the Manchester Silkworms at 6:35 PM from Wahconah Park.
Sophomore Jimmy Waters to Participate in NECBL vs. Team USA Game
PITTSFIELD, MA – With the upcoming Team NECBL vs Team USA matchup quickly approaching, the Pittsfield American Defenders are proud to announce that outfielder Jimmy Waters will play in Sunday’s historic matchup.
Waters is batting 2nd on the team with a .381 batting average with no home runs, and six runs batted in. He leads all active American Defenders with a .458 on base percentage. The sophomore outfielder from Council Bluff, IA, is also on a nine-game hitting streak and even stole home plate in Wednesday’s comeback 12-11 win.
The game will take place on Sunday, July 5, up in Manchester, New Hampshire. The game will start at 1:45 p.m. from the minor league home of the Manchester Fisher Cats, MerchantAuto.com Stadium.
Waters may face Jayhawk teammate T.J. Walz in the exhibition game. Walz is a relief pitcher for Team USA.
Waters and the American Defenders are back in action tonight as they host the Manchester Silkworms at 6:35 p.m. from Wahconah Park.
Walz Continues To Pitch Well For Team USA
CARY, N.C. – T.J. Walz pitched another scoreless inning of relief Wednesday as the U.S. National Team devoured Guatamala, 15-1. The Kansas sophomore pitched the ninth inning in Wednesday’s game, recording two more strikeouts.
In his first week of action for Team USA, Walz is 1-0 in two relief appearances allowing just one hit and one walk in 5 1/3 innings. The sophomore righty has recorded 11 strikeouts in appearances against Team Canada and Team Guatamala.
The Americans will continue their four-game series against Guatamala with a game at 5:30 p.m. (CST) at Coleman Field.
Blankenship, Heere Shine For Palm Springs Power
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – Two members of the Jayhawks have shined this summer for the Palm Springs Power (20-5) of the Southern California Collegiate Baseball Association. Left-handed pitcher Travis Blankenship and outfielder Brian Heere, who are both Lawrence products, have had a big hand in the Power’s success this season.
Heere, a sophomore outfielder, is batting .341 for the Power this season with three doubles, a triple and 12 runs scored. Heere, who led the Jayhawks in on-base percentage this past season, has been doing the same for his summer team. The sophomore has reached base at a .449 clip with just three strikeouts in 49 total plate appearances.
Blankenship, a junior pitcher, has also put up gaudy numbers, with a 3-0 record on the mound and a spotless ERA in 18 innings pitched out of the bullpen. The junior lefty has allowed just five hits and three walks in his appearances to go with 24 strikeouts.
The Palm Springs Power currently lead their six-team league with the regular season scheduled to wrap up at the end of July.
