Tomshaw and Ward Named Aa Pitcher and Batter of the Month
September 1, 2020 - American Association (AA)
Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks News Release
FARGO, N.D. - The American Association of Independent Professional Baseball named RedHawks pitcher Matt Tomshaw and RedHawks infielder Drew Ward as the Rawlings Sports Pitcher and Batter of the Month for August. This is the first time in 2020 that the award has been given to both players on the same team in the same month. Both Tomshaw and Ward have been previously named players of the week this season.
Tomshaw (5-3, 2.78 ERA) pitched his third complete game of the 2020 season in a 6-2 win against Winnipeg on Sunday. He gave two runs on five hits and is the only pitcher in the American Association with multiple complete games this season and is currently ranked third in wins (5) and earned run average (2.78). Tomshaw is 5-1 with a 1.50 ERA in 6 starts with just 31 hits in 48 IP.
"Matt Tomshaw is always prepared to compete and win for his team. He demands a lot out of himself and his teammates, and as a result, he makes everyone around him better" said RedHawks manager Chris Coste. "It's a well-deserved honor".
Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 2011 MLB June Amateur Draft, Tomshaw has played the past nine seasons in the affiliated-minor leagues for the Twins, Marlins and White Sox organizations. The Kingston, NY native played collegiately for Jacksonville University and resides in Florida during the off-season.
Drew Ward is in his first season with the RedHawks and is hitting .402 with five doubles, nine home runs, 28 RBI and 22 runs scored in 25 games. Overall, Ward has a .337 average, with 60 hits, 39 RBI, 36 runs, 13 home runs and 10 doubles on the season.
"This is a well-deserved honor for Drew" said Coste. "He has consistently been one of the most respected hitters in the league all season and someone the opposing team does not want to see come to the plate with men on base".
The Leedy Okla. native was drafted out of high school by the Washington Nationals in the 3rd round of the 2013 MLB June Amateur Draft and has played the past seven seasons in the Nationals farm system. Ward, 25, played in eight games during spring training for Washington in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the MLB and cancelled the MiLB seasons.
The RedHawks look to continue their current winning streak as the Sioux Falls Canaries come to Fargo for a three-game homestand, starting tonight at Newman Outdoor Field. Newly acquired Kevin McGovern (0-0, 4.50 ERA) gets the start for the RedHawks as Tanner Anderson (1-1, 6.75 ERA) takes the mound for the Canaries. First pitch is scheduled for 7:02 p.m.
American Association Stories from September 1, 2020
- Pina Grand Slam Powers Hawks to Series-Opening Win over Canaries - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Devine's 13 Strikeouts Second Most in Franchise History, But Saints Fall 1-0 - St. Paul Saints
- Tuesday's Game Postponed, Double Header Thursday - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Saints Add Arm Before Roster Deadline, Former First Round Pick Pete Tago - St. Paul Saints
- Goldeyes Add Outfielder Almadova - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Tomshaw and Ward Named Aa Pitcher and Batter of the Month - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
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