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MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Amarista wins 2009 MWL Batting Crown

September 8, 2009 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


Kernels infielder Alexi Amarista finished the 2009 Midwest League season with the highest batting average in the league. Amarista's .319 average (152-477) in 125 games topped West Michigan's duo of Gustavo Nunez (.315) and Billy Nowlin (.311) and he's the first Cedar Rapids player since Alberto Callaspo in 2003 to win the league title.

The Angels signed Amarista as a non-drafted free agent in 2007 and in three seasons with the Angels, he has never had a season with his average below .300. He started the 2009 season somewhat slowly, with his season low average of .259 after April 16, but he raised it quickly to a season high of .364 on May 2. His average remained above .300 from July 6 to the end of the season.

Amarista was named the Angels Defensive Player of the Month for April and the Offensive Player of the Month for July. He leads the Kernels in several offensive categories: runs (84), hits (152), slugging percentage (.468), on-base percentage (.390), doubles (39), triples (10), sacrifice bunts (18) and total bases (223). He had 47 multiple hit games, hit four home runs, had 49 RBI, and stole 38 bases in 58 attempts.

He was named the starting second baseman on the MWL Western Division All-Star team and was also named to the MWL Post Season All-Star team at second base. Amarista was also selected as the 2009 Rockwell-Collins Fans Choice award winner as the Kernels MVP. His 39 doubles are second on the Cedar Rapids all-time list and 10 triples ties him for fourth all time.

The Kernels open the 2009 MWL Playoffs on the road in Peoria on Wednesday, September 9th with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 pm. They return to Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Thursday, September 10th for game two at 6:35 pm with the gates opening at 5:30 pm. Playoff tickets may be purchased on-line at www.kernels.com or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at 896-7560 after 10 am on Wednesday.

Check out the Cedar Rapids Kernels Statistics



Midwest League Stories from September 8, 2009


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