SL1 Mississippi Braves

Former D-Brave Hero Making Smooth Transition to Starter

Published on July 17, 2008 under Southern League (SL1)
Mississippi Braves News Release


DANVILLE, VA- Mississippi Braves pitcher Kris Medlen, a former D-Brave who was on the mound when Danville captured the 2006 Appalachian League Championship, was named Southern League Pitcher of the Week on Wednesday for the week ending July 12.

Medlen pitched with Danville throughout the championship year of 2006. Appearing as a lights-out reliever, he struck out the final four Elizabethton Twins he faced on only 12 pitches in game three of the championship series. The Braves would proceed to capture the game 4-3 on a walk-off homer in the seventh inning by Danny Brezeale. The title marked the first in the 15-year history of the Danville Braves.

Medlen was converted to a starter this past season and the transition seems to be going relatively seamless. Over the week, the 22-year-old right-hander from Artesia, Ca., went 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA and a league-leading 16 strikeouts. Medlen allowed just four hits and struck out a career-high 10 batters in seven innings of an eventual 4-3 victory against Chattanooga on July 7.

Five days later, he allowed just five hits and recorded six strikeouts in six innings of a 2-0 win at Jacksonville. That triumph enabled the Braves to enter the All-Star Break with a one-game lead atop the South Division's second-half standings.

A closer to begin his professional career, Medlen made 77 relief appearances before his first career start on June 5. In eight starts, the right-hander has gone 2-1 with a 2.30 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 43 innings.

During his time in Danville, Medlen was named Danville Pitcher of the Month in August 2006 after going 1-0 with six saves and giving up five hits with 20 strikeouts over 11 2/3 scoreless innings. He starred in the league championship. He picked up the save in game one with a scoreless inning before delivering his game three heroics. He led Danville with 10 saves, good for third in the league.

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Southern League Stories from July 17, 2008


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