International League Names Players of the Week
Published on September 3, 2013 under International League (IL1) News Release
The International League announced today that Rochester shortstop Eduardo Escobar and Charlotte pitcher Zach Stewart have been named the League's Batter and Pitcher of the Week for the period from August 26-September 2. Each delivered performances that their franchise's fans won't soon forget. Rochester brought home five Player of the Week awards this season, as Escobar joins previous winners Chris Colabello (April 4-7, May 13-19), Vance Worley (June 17-23), and Pat Dean
(August 5-11). Stewart is the second player from Charlotte to be so honored this season, following Andy Wilkins (July 15-21).
EDUARDO ESCOBAR, Rochester Red Wings IL BATTER OF THE WEEK
Over the final eight days of the regular season, Rochester's Eduardo Escobar led the International League with twelve hits, three home runs, nine RBI, seven runs scored, and a .867 slugging percentage. His best game came on the season's final day, with his Red Wings needing a victory to earn the Wild Card postseason berth. Escobar pounded out four extra base hits and drove in five runs to lead Rochester to a 13-3 win over Scranton/WB, giving the team its first playoff appearance since 2006. Escobar spent the first half of the season in Minnesota before being optioned during the All-Star Break. He has hit .307 in 43 games with the Red Wings.
24-year-old Eduardo Escobar is in his first full season in the Minnesota organization. He was dealt to the Twins from the White Sox last July in a trade that included Francisco Liriano. Escobar is a native of Villa de Cura, Venezuela.
ZACH STEWART, Charlotte Knights IL PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Right-hander Zach Stewart did not allow an earned run over an International League-high 16.0 innings pitched this week while giving Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, South Carolina a proper send-off in its final game. Stewart was a hard-luck loser in his outing Wednesday against Norfolk, allowing just six hits in 8.0 innings of work but also giving up four unearned runs in the 2nd inning. The Knights fell 4-1, but Stewart took the hill again on Monday for the team's last game before moving into BB&T Ballpark in downtown Charlotte next season. Stewart turned in 8.0 shutout innings, walking just one batter and striking out three to give Charlotte fans a memorable 4-0 victory in the Knights Stadium finale. Stewart led the IL this season with 167.1 innings pitched and was 4th with 122 strikeouts.
26-year-old Zach Stewart is in his sixth season as a professional pitcher. He is a veteran of 33 games in the Major Leagues, coming with the Blue Jays, White Sox, and Red Sox. Stewart is a native of Wichita Falls, Texas.
International League Stories from September 3, 2013
- Evan Gattis Recalled by Atlanta - Gwinnett Stripers
- Four Knights Promoted to Chicago on Tuesday - Charlotte Knights
- Orioles Recall Four Players - Norfolk Tides
- Red Wings' Escobar Tabbed IL Player of the Week - Rochester Red Wings
- Stewart Named IL Pitcher of the Week - Charlotte Knights
- PNC Field Saturated with Fans in 2013 - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- International League Names Players of the Week - IL1
- Bats Top Tribe 7-5 with Five-Run 9th - Indianapolis Indians
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