IL1 Indianapolis Indians

John Van Benschoten Named League Pitcher Of The Week

May 14, 2007 - International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis right-hander John Van Benschoten (pronounced "Van BEN-sko-tin") has been named the International League's Pitcher of the Week for the period of May 7-13. Van Benschoten went 2-0 with a 0.64 ERA (1 ER in 14 IP) in two starts during the stretch.

Van Benschoten (7.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO) won his third straight decision on Saturday night vs. Ottawa. That performance followed up seven shutout frames (7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 SO) in a victory over Syracuse on May 7.

Van Benschoten is 3-2 with a 1.82 ERA (8 ER in 39.2 IP) on the season and 3-0 with a 0.34 ERA (1 ER in 26.1 IP) over his last four starts. The 27-year-old also registered a team-best 20.2 scoreless innings streak from April 27-May 12 (20.2 IP, 13 H, 0 R, 6 BB, 18 SO). He has not allowed an earned run in 17.1 frames on the road this season.

"John looks very comfortable and confident on the mound," Indians Pitching Coach Jeff Andrews says. "John is throwing strikes, and he's making the opposition put the ball in play. I've known John for five years, and this is the best his mechanics have ever looked. He's always had nice starts here and there, but it's nice to see him string together four really good outings."

Van Benschoten is in his seventh season with the Pittsburgh organization after being selected by the Pirates in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2001 draft. He first reached the Triple-A level in 2004 when he posted a 4-11 record and 4.72 ERA in 23 appearances for the Nashville Sounds.

A native of San Diego, Calif., Van Benschoten missed all of 2005 and most of 2006 while recovering from surgery on both shoulders. He entered the campaign with a 30-25 record and 3.58 ERA in 90 Minor League outings.

"John's comeback shows a true passion and love for the game," Andrews adds. "John has spent countless hours in the training room during various stages of his rehab. Not everyone could do what John has done. He's shown a lot of courage, desire and character along the way.

"The nice thing about John, Bryan (Bullington) and Sean (Burnett) is they haven't lost their competitiveness. They want to get opposing hitters out, and they want to win games. That fire is great to see, especially with guys who have missed time due to major surgeries."

Van Benschoten is the second Indian receive the honor in 2007. Catcher Ryan Doumit was recognized by the International League on April 23.

Indianapolis returns to Victory Field on May 28 for a Memorial Day showdown at 6 p.m. Tickets for all 2007 home games are available by visiting the Victory Field Box Office at 501 W. Maryland Street, going on-line at www.IndyIndians.com or calling Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151.

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