1B Avila and RHP Broughton Named North American League Players of the Week
Published on July 18, 2011 under North American League (NAmL) News Release
(San Ramon, CA) The North American League, one of the premier independent professional baseball leagues on the continent, announced today that Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings first baseman Gerardo Avila and Na Koa Ikaika Maui right-handed pitcher Matt Broughton have been named the Rawlings Players of the Week for the week of July 10th.
Rio Grande Valley first baseman Gerardo Avila hit .571 last week for the WhiteWings with 3 homeruns and 11 RBI. Signed as an international free agent by the Seattle Mariners in 2006, the Venezuelan has 5 seasons of affiliated experience. In 2011, he is hitting at a .386 clip for the WhiteWings and has 8 homeruns to go along with 29 RBI. Avila celebrated his 25h birthday last week on July 15th.
Na Koa Ikaika Maui right-hander Matt Broughton made two quality starts last week for the Strong Warriors, finishing with a record of 1-0 and a dazzling 1.39 ERA. Against Yuma on July 12th, Broughton pitched 6 innings, giving up just 2 earned runs on 5 hits. In his second start of the week on July 17th, Broughton picked up the win with a 7 inning outing, surrendering no runs and just 4 hits. So far this season, the righty is 2-3 with a 3.71 ERA. He has given up just 31 hits in 34 innings. Broughton was drafted in the 47th round of the 2005 MLB draft by the Milwaukee Brewers upon graduating high school. Broughton opted to attend Ball State University instead of turning pro. Now in his second professional season, the 24 year old is looking for a chance to establish himself as one of the dominant young starters in the North American League. Last season, he spent time in the Boston Red Sox organization, pitching for the Lowell Spinners (A-).
North American League Stories from July 18, 2011
- Run After Run Scored Against Vipers - Calgary Vipers
- Barnard and Bats Inc - San Angelo Colts
- Avila Earns Player of the Week Honors - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
- 1B Avila and RHP Broughton Named North American League Players of the Week - NAmL
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