Justin Ruggiano named IL Player of the Week
June 4, 2007 - International League (IL1)
Durham Bulls News Release
The International League announced today that Durham outfielder Justin Ruggiano and Toledo pitcher Virgil Vasquez have been named the League's Batter and Pitcher-of-the-Week for the period from May 28-June 3. Ruggiano becomes the fourth member of the Bulls to win an IL weekly award this year, joining pitchers Jason Hammel (April 5-15), Andy Sonnanstine (April 23-29), and Mitch Talbot (May 21-27). Vasquez is now the first International League player to be so honored twice in the 2007 season (April 16-22).
Durham's JUSTIN RUGGIANO collected 10 hits in six games this week to earn the IL's Batter-of-the-Week award. In the process, Ruggiano lifted his batting average to a team-best .302. In his first season at the Triple-A level, Ruggiano has been swinging a hot bat. He's hit safely in eight straight games and in 23 of his last 27. Four of his six games this week were multi-hit efforts, including all three games so far in the club's current series against Louisville, which concludes this afternoon. Three of Ruggiano's ten hits this week were long balls, giving him eight on the year (tied with Wes Bankston for the team lead). He also added a pair of doubles, giving him a total of five extra-base hits. Ruggiano posted an .875 slugging percentage over the six-game stretch, tied for best in the League with rehabbing outfielder Josh Hamilton of Louisville. In addition to leading the Bulls in hitting and home runs, Ruggiano also leads his club in hits (55) and runs (30), and is tied for the lead in stolen bases (7).
25-year-old Justin Ruggiano is in his fourth professional season, and his first full year in the Tampa Bay organization. Ruggiano was acquired from the Dodgers in a trade last season. He entered the year as a career .306 batter in 290 Minor League games. Ruggiano is a native of Austin, TX.
VIRGIL VASQUEZ went 2-0 this week and pushed his IL-best strikeout total to 71. Vasquez has now won seven straight decisions at the Triple-A level after starting the year 0-2. The seven victories are just one shy of the International League lead (Bryan Bullington, Indianapolis). Both of this week's wins came on the road, helping the Mud Hens win five out of six games and move into 2nd place in the IL West with a 31-26 record. Vasquez defeated the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees on Tuesday, striking out nine in 6.0 innings. He surrendered three runs on five hits as Toledo won the game 4-3. Yesterday in Buffalo, Vasquez knocked off the IL North leading Bisons, shutting out the Herd for 6.0 innings in a game Toledo won 3-2. Vasquez scattered three hits and walked one while striking out four Bisons. Since his third start of the season on April 16, Vasquez is 7-0 with a 3.40 ERA in Triple-A action.
Virgil Vasquez, who turns 25 on Thursday, continues to pitch well in his first season at the Triple-A level. Vasquez earned a spot start with the Detroit Tigers on May 13, his debut as a Major League pitcher. He allowed six runs in 2.2 innings in a game at Minnesota. Vasquez is a native of Santa Barbara, CA.
Both Ruggiano and Vasquez made a strong case this week for fans to vote them into the Triple-A All-Star Game July 11 in Albuquerque, NM. Online voting runs through June 22 on www.ILBaseball.com.
International League Stories from June 4, 2007
- McLeary propels Tribe to 4-1 win over Charlotte - Indianapolis Indians
- Rajai Davis Recalled By Pittsburgh - Indianapolis Indians
- Wings Hit Three Home Runs In Win - Rochester Red Wings
- Pawtucket Sweeps Twinbill At Harbor Park - Norfolk Tides
- Bats Slam Way Past Bulls, Win 10-2 - Durham Bulls
- Davis Placed On Lynx DL - Ottawa Lynx
- Knights Bullpen Headed To Chicago - Charlotte Knights
- Charlie Weatherby Added To Lynx Roster - Ottawa Lynx
- Braves And Lynx Rained Out - IL1
- Justin Ruggiano named IL Player of the Week - Durham Bulls
- International League names players of the week - IL1
- Lynx And Braves Rained Out - Ottawa Lynx
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