NYPL Hudson Valley Renegades

\'Gades Send Four to All-Star Game

August 5, 2013 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Hudson Valley Renegades News Release


WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY - The Hudson Valley Renegades, short-season single-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, are pleased to announce four players were selected to represent the American League at the 2013 New York-Penn League All-Star Game. Infielders Ariel Soriano and Darryl George will start at second base and third base, respectively, while Oscar Hernandez was selected as the reserve catcher. Lefthanded starting pitcher Kevin Brandt was the only Renegades hurler chosen after starting the year in the bullpen.

Ariel Soriano has been one of the team's most consistent hitters since Opening Day, leading the Renegades in at bats (171), hits (48), runs scored (24), and total bases (73). His .281 batting average ranks second to George's .290 average, while his 22 RBIs are second only to Hernandez' 32 runs driven in. So far in 2013, the La Romana, Dominican Republic native has two eight game hitting streaks and a seven game hitting streak, while reaching base safely in 27 of his last 31 games. One of his best games came in Staten Island on July 6 on a night when he hit two home runs and drove in four in a 9-4 Renegades victory in extra innings.

Versatility is the word that comes to mind when discussing Darryl George, the only Australian-born player in the Tampa Bay Rays organization. He's made starts at five different positions and shown an impressive ability to adapt by exhibiting excellent defensive fundamentals. At the plate, George has led the Renegades for most of the last month with an average that has floated in the low-.300s. He also leads the team with a .385 on-base percentage and has six stolen bases without being caught. George also has the distinction of being the only position player to pitch this season, and has been used on the mound in two games.

One of the top young prospects in the organization, 20-year-old catcher Oscar Hernandez has been equally as impressive both behind and at the plate. With a unique no look pickoff throw to first, Hernandez has been able to neutralize opposing teams on the bases at an incredible rate. He has thrown out 13 out of 24 baserunners trying to steal, and his 54% success rate is the highest mark in the league. Offensively, Hernandez leads the Renegades with 6 home runs and 32 RBIs, which puts him in the top three leaguewide in both categories.

The transition from long reliever to starter was a fairly seamless one for southpaw Kevin Brandt, who rewarded manager Michael Johns with wins in his first three starts in mid-July. With a tough changeup, Brandt struck out six in each start and is tied for the team lead with four wins. His 2.00 ERA is third in the league while his 45 strikeouts in 45 innings pitched places him fifth. Additionally, the Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina native has limited opponents to a collective batting average of .197, which is the third-lowest mark in the league. After starters Jordan Harrison and Austin Pruitt were called up to the Class-A Bowling Green Hot Rods last month, Brandt and Aaron Griffin took over to anchor the starting rotation.

The 2013 New York-Penn League All-Star Game is being held on Tuesday, August 13 at Dodd Stadium, the home of the Connecticut Tigers. The Jamestown Jammers, short-season single-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are the most represented team with seven players selected for the National League squad. To learn more, visit the league's website or go to www.hvrenegades.com for all the latest news and updates.

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