MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Lucena, Dove sweep Cardinals' organizational awards for June

Published on July 1, 2005 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The St. Louis Cardinals announced their monthly organizational awards on Friday, and it was a pair of Swing of the Quad Cities players that took home the hardware. Shortstop Juan Lucena was recognized as the Cards' Minor League Player of the Month for June, while pitcher Dennis Dove was named the Minor League Pitcher of the Month.

After opening the season with only two hits in his first 30 at-bats, Lucena has since shown the sweet swing that earned him a batting title last season in the Appalachian League. The shortstop out of Lara, Venezuela had 12 multi-hit games in June, hitting an even .400 (40-100) on the month while driving in 22 runs and slugging .500. Lucena only struck out twice in 102 plate appearances all month, and has only fanned five times all year, having brought his average up to .331 on the season.

The fourth year professional hit safely in 21 of 24 games played during June, including a stretch of 13 consecutive games between June 7 and June 23. He has currently recorded a hit in 19 of his last 20 games. Lucena had a day to remember at Fort Wayne on June 2, belting his first career grand slam to go along with a career-high five RBI.

Joining Lucena in the limelight is his teammate, pitcher Dennis Dove. In five June starts Dove went 2-1, 2.48 with 27 strikeouts in 32.2 innings, holding opposing hitters to only 20 hits and a .175 batting average. A former third round pick out of Georgia Southern University, Dove hurled the only Quad Cities complete game of the season on June 29, striking out seven and needing only 95 pitches to finish off Wisconsin. On the season the righthander is 6-5, 3.80, and leads the Swing in starts (16), innings pitched (90), and strikeouts (66).

Lucena and Dove are the second and third players to win Cardinals' organizational awards this season, as pitcher Mike Sillman earned honors for April after notching two wins and four saves in a scoreless month.

UP NEXT: The Swing and Silver Hawks continue the series on Friday night, as the Swing send Kyle McClellan (1-3, 4.56) to the mound against Ross Ohlendorf (5-5, 4.71). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00, and pregame coverage on Progressive Talk AM 1270 will begin at 6:45.

UPCOMING HOMESTAND: The Swing begin an eight-game homestand with Fourth of July Fireworks on Monday night, sponsored by WOC, WFXN and KWQC-TV6. Promotions during the homestand include a 97 Rock/Hooters Beverage Night, a noon start for Kids Day on Thursday, another fireworks show on Friday night, and the 2005 Swing Baseball Card Set giveaway on Saturday. Tickets are available for all Swing games by calling (563) 328-2000.

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from July 1, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central