NORWICH, CT- Travis Ishikawa got a good bit of news today as he was promoted to Triple-A Fresno. The San Francisco Giants took heed of Ishikawa's slick glove and steady bat, as the first baseman is set to spend his first stint in the Pacific Coast League.
Ishikawa hit .291 with 8 home runs and 48 RBIs in 64 games for the Defenders. In addition, he led the team in slugging percentage at .462 and was second in on-base percentage at .382.
Ishikawa also won some accolade while spending time in the Eastern League as he was named the Bank of America Player of the Week for the week ending on June 8. During a six game span, Ishikawa hit an impressive .455, belted three homers, stole three bases and drove in nine runs as he slugged 1.091.
Though this will mark the first time Ishikawa has risen to Triple-A, he has been promoted to the big league club once before. During the 2006 campaign, Ishikawa spent 12 games with the Giants where he went 7-for-24 (.292) with three doubles a triple and four runs batted in.
Ishikawa's tools on the field will be greatly missed but his character far surpassed what he did on the diamond. An excellent teammate and silent leader, Ishikawa will certainly make an impact with the Fresno Grizzlies.
The promotion is the second in the past ten days as right-handed relief pitcher Steve Palazzolo was pushed up to Triple-A recently.
The Defenders begin a seven game home-stand tonight at Dodd Stadium. A weekend series vs. the New Britain Rock Cats and a four game series starting Monday vs. the Portland Sea Dogs. For more information or to purchase tickets call the Defenders at (860)-887-7962 or visit www.ctdefenders.com.
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