HAGERSTOWN, MD - Michael Burgess has found his sweet spot, hitting eight home runs in April. Burgess leads the South Atlantic League in home runs and is tied for second in all of Minor League Baseball.
In the last seven games the Suns right fielder has hit .310 (9-29) including eight runs, two doubles, five home runs, 11 RBI, and a .897 SLG percentage helping the Suns go 4-2 for the week. Burgess' performance earned him the South Atlantic League Hitter of the Week award for the week ending on April 27th.
"Congratulations to him," Suns Manager Darnell Coles said, "he's shortened his swing and isn't trying to do too much at the plate, hopefully he can keep this going."
Last Season Justin Maxwell and Chris Marrero took Player of the Week awards in back-to-back weeks (May 7-May 14) while Justin Jones received Pitcher of the Week for the Suns (May 7).
Burgess, a 49th overall pick in the 2007 first-year player draft entered 2008 as the No. 4 prospect and 2nd-best hitting prospect in the Washington Nationals system. In his first season of professional baseball the Tampa, FL native hit .318 with seven doubles, 11 home runs and a .421 OBP in 55 games. This is Burgess' first season with the Suns after spending 2007 with the GCL Nationals and short season Vermont Lake Monsters.
The Hagerstown Suns play at Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, MD and are a Class "A" affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Ticket packages and sponsorships are available by calling the Suns at 301-791-6266. Visit the Suns on the web at www.hagerstownsuns.com. The Suns are owned by Los Angeles based Mandalay Baseball Properties.
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