Ramirez Named Texas League Pitcher of the Week
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FRISCO, TEXAS – Frisco RoughRiders pitcher Neil Ramirez has been named the Texas League Pitcher of the Week for June 17-23. Ramirez becomes the second RoughRider to be honored in as many weeks by the Texas League, joining Alex Buchholz, who was named the Player of the Week on June 17.
Ramirez, 24, dominated in his only start of the week, throwing six scoreless innings in a win over Corpus Christi on Thursday, June 20. He allowed just two hits and struck out six batters with no walks on only 67 pitches. It was his second straight shutout outing against the Hooks, and he has thrown 15 consecutive innings without allowing a run.
This season has been a terrific comeback campaign for the former supplemental first round draft pick. Ramirez posted a 6.28 ERA between Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock last year, but in 2013 the right-hander has been one of the best pitchers in the Texas League. In 15 starts, he is 9-2 with a 2.89 ERA. He is second in the TL in wins, fifth in ERA, first in strikeouts (97, fifth in Minor League Baseball), third in WHIP (1.04), first in opponents’ batting average (.176, fifth in the minors), first in strikeout rate (10.78) and third in fewest baserunners per nine innings (9.78).
This is the third time in Ramirez’s career that he has been
honored with a Pitcher of the Week award. He won the award in the Northwest League on June 30, 2008 and was named the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week on April 23, 2012. Two weeks ago he was named a Texas League All-Star and is expected to pitch in Tuesday’s showcase in Springdale, Ark.
In addition to Buchholz, Ramirez joins Carlos Pimentel as Frisco players who have earned league-wide recognition for their performances this season. Pimentel was named TL Pitcher of the Week on May 27 and June 10.
The RoughRiders will return to action following the All-Star break on Wednesday to begin a six-game road trip at Arkansas. Frisco will begin its next home stand at Dr Pepper Ballpark on July 3 against the Travelers. Fans may purchase tickets for the Independence Day home stand or any other RoughRiders game by visiting www.RidersBaseball.com or by calling (972) 731-9200. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Dr Pepper Ballpark box office, which is open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Monday – Friday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday.
