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Colts' DH Nichols and Vipers' RHP Burns Named Players of the Week

August 22, 2011 - 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 San Angelo Colts designated hitter Brian Nichols and Calgary Vipers right handed pitcher Mike Burns have been named the Rawlings Players of the Week for the week of August 14th.

Brian Nichols was acquired by the San Angelo Colts last week from the McAllen Thunder. The slugger was a force for McAllen, hitting .290 with 4 homeruns and 17 RBI in 27 games for the Thunder. The Colts acquired the 29 year old to add even more pop to the middle of their lineup after clinching a playoff spot. Last week, Nichols played his final game with McAllen on August 14th and went 1 for 4 with 2 RBI. Since joining the Colts on August 15th, Nichols has 15 hits in 33 at-bats for a .455 average. The 6'4 255 pound designated hitter has belted 5 homeruns and driven in 10 so far for San Angelo. On the season, Nichols is hitting at a .329 clip with 9 homeruns and 27 RBI.

Calgary right hander Mike Burns made two relief appearances and his first start of the season last week for the Vipers. Burns earned a spot in the Vipers' rotation after dominating hitters when entering games from the bullpen. Burns made two relief appearances last week before making his debut as a starting pitcher by throwing 6 shutout innings against the Yuma Scorpions. Burns finished the week with 10 innings pitched, allowing no runs, and giving up just 7 hits. He recorded 8 strikeouts and no walks. The 33 year-old recorded wins in all three of his outings. Burns was drafted in the 30th round of the 2000 MLB amateur player draft by the Houston Astros and reached the Major Leagues with Houston, Cincinnati, Boston and Milwaukee. This season, Mike Burns is 7-1 with a 1.65 ERA. He has 33 strikeouts in 32.2 innings pitched and has surrendered just 2 4 hits and 1 walk.

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