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Better Than "O-Kei," Igawa Named to Topps' Triple-A All-Star Team

November 12, 2008 - International League (IL1)
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees News Release

Moosic, PA - 2008 may end up being a break through year for left handed pitcher Kei Igawa. The second year pro from Japan set a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre franchise record for wins in a season by a left handed pitcher with 14 and was named the team's 2008 Pitcher of the Year. Igawa set the tone for the season with six perfect innings on opening night for the Yankees and closed out the season winning 11 of his final 13 decisions, earning the southpaw a spot on the 2008 Topps'/Minor League Baseball Triple-A All-Star Team.

The left hander sat at 3-4 on the season after dropping a 4-2 decision at Louisville on May 16th, before winning his next five decisions. Igawa's streak ended with a 2-1 loss at Toledo on July 9th, his final start before the all-star break. Following the three day break, Igawa was better than ever winning his first six decisions in the second half. The left hander was dominant in July and August compiling a 6-1 post all-star break record in eight starts with a 2.72 ERA.

Igawa led the Yankees in starts (24), wins (14), innings pitched (156.1) and strike outs (117). His 14 wins tied Joe Roa's franchise record set in 2002. The outstanding work on the hill for the left hander did not end with the regular season as Igawa posted a 1-0 mark with a 1.35 ERA and nine K's in 13.1 post season innings, helping lead Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to the Governors' Cup for the first time in franchise history.

2008 TOPPS/MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TRIPLE-A ALL-STAR TEAM

POSITION PLAYER CLUB/LEAGUE AFFILIATE AVG. HR RBI

First Base Joe Koshansky Colo. Springs/PCL Colorado .300 31 121

Second Base Chris Getz Charlotte/IL Chicago-AL .302 11 52

Third Base Jamie D'Antona Tucson/PCL Arizona .365 21 79

Shortstop Brandon Wood Salt Lake/PCL Los Angeles-AL .296 31 84

Outfield Chris Carter Pawtucket/IL Boston .300 24 81

Outfield Nelson Cruz Oklahoma/PCL Texas .342 37 99

Outfield Terry Tiffee Las Vegas/PCL Los Angeles-NL .378 9 69

Catcher Rob Johnson Tacoma/PCL Seattle .305 9 49

Des. Hitter Dallas McPherson Albuquerque/PCL Florida .275 42 98

W L ERA

RH Pitcher Charlie Zink Pawtucket/IL Boston 14 6 2.84

LH Pitcher Kei Igawa Scranton/W-B/IL New York-AL 14 6 3.45

Relief Pitcher Blaine Neal Toledo/IL Detroit 1 0 1.21 26 Saves

(Statistics do not reflect players' performances in other leagues)

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International League Stories from November 12, 2008

Better Than "O-Kei," Igawa Named to Topps' Triple-A All-Star Team - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees
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