Taijuan Walker Named PCL Pitcher of the Week
Published on June 30, 2014 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release
TACOMA, Wash. -- Tacoma Rainiers pitcher Taijuan Walker has been named the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week for the week of June 23-29, the league office announced today.
Walker, 21, made one appearance with the Rainiers over that stretch, posting a nine-inning shutout in Tacoma's 2-0 win over Oklahoma City on Tuesday, June 24. The right-hander limited the RedHawks to four hits, issued one walk and struck out a season-high eight batters on the way to collecting his first career shutout. The outing marked the second complete game of Walker's career and first since tossing nine innings with Single-A Clinton in a win against Great Lakes on June 13, 2011.
In six starts at Tacoma this season, Walker has compiled a 2-1 record and a 4.11 ERA (14ERx30.2IP). He has struck out 29 batters, walked 10 and held opposing hitters to .190 average in his second season with the Rainiers. Walker originally joined Tacoma's roster on May 28 as part of a Major League rehab assignment before he was officially optioned to the Rainiers on June 10.
Walker is pitching in his fifth professional season since his selection by Seattle as the 43rd overall pick in the supplemental first round of the 2010 draft. The Yucaipa (CA) High School product entered his 2014 campaign ranked by Baseball America as the No. 1 prospect in the Mariners farm system and he was listed by MLB.com as the No. 2 right-handed pitching prospect in the minor leagues.
The weekly league award is the first collected by a Rainiers player this season and the second of Walker's career. He previously earned PCL Pitcher of Week honors for the week of August 19-25 last season.
The Rainiers begin a four-game homestand against the Reno Aces at 7 p.m. tonight. Right-hander Erasmo Ramirez (1-3, 4.55) is expected to start the series opener for Tacoma against Aces right-hander Zeke Spruill (3-4, 6.75).
To purchase single-game tickets, group packages or party decks for the 2014 season, call (253) 752-7707 or email tickets@tacomarainiers.com. Up-to-date news and notes throughout the 2014 season can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.
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