Panthers in the Pros (team & player page links)
CHARLESTON, Ill. – Even though his 12-game hitting streak came to an end Wednesday (July 1), former Eastern Illinois baseball player Erik Huber continues to lead his Class A West Virginia Power team in batting average.
In his third season in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ farm system, Huber went hitless Wednesday for the first time since June 14. His .323 average (71-for-220) also ranks tied for third in the South Atlantic League.
The two-time All-OVC selection has been hitting third in the lineup and playing first base. During his 12-game hitting streak Huber batted .418 (23-for-55) with 10 RBIs and 14 runs scored. He posted three four-hit efforts during the streak, including a 4-for-5 showing Tuesday (June 30) at Lake County (a Cleveland Indians affiliate).
For the season, Huber has recorded 16 doubles, four homers, 35 RBIs and 42 runs scored. He also leads the team in two-baggers.
Jordan Kreke has been serving as the starting third baseman for the Danville Braves of the Appalachian League, helping Atlanta’s Rookie League affiliate get out to a 6-3 start. He recently hit safely in six straight games from June 24-30. In the eight Minor League games he has played thus far, Kreke is batting .250 (8-for-32) with two doubles, four walks and four runs scored.
In the New York-Penn League,
Brett Nommensen has bounced back from a slow start to his Minor League season with a 6-for-14 showing in his last four games. Playing for Hudson Valley Renegades, a Tampa Bay Rays Rookie League affiliate, he is now batting .265 (9-for-34) with a double, homer, three walks and three stolen bases. He has been starting as a corner outfielder the last few games.
Tyler Kehrer suffered his first professional loss in his June 29 start against Idaho Falls (a Kansas Royals affiliate). The left-hander did manage to strikeout six of the 14 batters he faced and did not issue a walk. However, he gave up two runs on six hits through 3 1/3 innings. Pitching for the Los Angeles Angels’ Rookie League affiliate Orem Owlz (of the Pioneer League), Kehrer has yet to issue a walk in 7 1/3 innings. He is expected to start again Saturday (July 4) at Idaho Falls.
Finally, Kyle Haines continues to make spot starts as a middle infielder for the Akron Aeros of the Double-A Eastern League. He scored twice in the June 10 win against New Hampshire (a Toronto Blue Jays affiliate) and went 1-for-3 with a run scored in the June 28 loss vs. Binghamton (a New York Mets affiliate). The Aeros, a Cleveland Indians affiliate, are in first place in the Southern Division of the Eastern League with a 51-26 record. The club’s .662 winning percentage is easily the best in the entire 12-team league.