The weekly top five hitters/pitchers rankings have come out, and the Newport Gulls grab four, including the top hitter, outfielder Ben Roberts. The Sanford Mainers reliever Steven Rice grabs the top pitching spot, however.
Hitters
A potent group of hitters make up the rankings, from the league leader in steals to the league leader in doubles. However, most of this ranking is made up from the Eastern division, as the lone Western player ranks second. First does belong to the league leading Gulls though, Newports Ben Roberts.
1. Ben Roberts, OF, Newport Gulls
Roberts has been incredible for the league-leading Gulls, as he is hitting .339 with 33 runs scored and 22 RBIs. Roberts added 15 doubles, which leads the league by 5. He has also hit three home runs and walked 19 times, while totaling 40 hits over the season. He's starting the July 21st All-Star Game in Laconia for the Eastern Division.
2. JP Sportman, OF, Keene Swamp Bats
The Central Connecticut University product, back for his second stint in Keene, has been valuable on all aspects of the game for the Swamp Bats. The Bats have won nine of their last ten and are catching up to the division leading Mountaineers. Sportman has a .355 average with four home runs, 24 RBIs and 20 runs scored over 28 games played. He's also hit 10 doubles, second in the league and swiped 11 bases. Sportman will be starting in the outfield for the Western Division All-Star team. I am busy typijng and w
3. Caden Bailey, IF, Ocean State Waves
Bailey, a junior from Georgia State, has been playing incredibly for the second place Waves. He made the All-Star game as an alternate , which was the biggest snub of the whole event. Bailey leads the league in games played with 32 and has 119 at bats under his belt with a .303 average, three home runs and 21 RBIs. He also added a three game stretch where he knocked one out of the park every game, including seven RBIs over that stretch. Bailey also has scored 25 runs and walked 17 times.
4. Joe Torres, OF, Laconia Muskrats
Torres has been impressive this year for Laconia. Holding a .302 batting average with 6 RBIs and 20 runs scored, Torres strength is getting on and coming around. He has a .444 on base percentage and has also walked 21 times, a mark that is tied for second. Torres has also swiped 21 bases, which leads the league by four. Torres is the fourth outfielder at this years all-star break.
5. Steve Anderson, 1B, Newport Gulls
The 6-5, 235 pound senior from Georgetown University has been terrifying pitchers across the NECBL this entire season, as he leads the league in RBIs with 31 and also holds a .229 batting average. He also has knocked nine doubles. Anderson has scored 16 runs and has hit three home runs as well for the Gulls, who are currently sitting in first place with a 20-10 record. Anderson is starting the All-Star game at first base for the East.
Honorable Mention: Chris Shaw, New Bedford Bay Sox; Andrew Santomauro, Plymouth Pilgrims; Ryan Plourde, New Bedford Bay Sox
Pitchers:
The Newport Gulls snag two of the top five and add a third in the honorable mention, but the top stop belongs to Sanfords left handed reliever, Steven Rice.
1. Steven Rice, LHP, Sanford Mainers
Rice has been incredible out of the bullpen for the Mainers, as he’s posted a 1.05 earned run average over 8 appearances, going 3-1 with four saves. He’s struck out 31 over 17 innings of work, and has walked just seven. He also has a 1.120 WHIP and baffles hitters, who manage a .176 batting average against him. Rice will be appearing as the Eastern Division closer in Laconia.
2. John Miles, RHP, Vermont Mountaineers
Miles, the Western Division starting pitcher, has been dominant this summer. Miles has made six appearances, starting four, and holds a 3-0 record with a league-leading 0.31 ERA over 29 innings of work. He's also struck out 23 and walked just eight, while boasting a 0.690 WHIP. He also holds opposing hitters to just a .118 batting average.
3. Nathan Kirby, LHP, Keene Swamp Bats
Kirby has been stellar on the mound for Kene, as he’s compiled a 2-0 record with a 2.42 earned run average over five starts. He has also come out of the bullpen once. Kirby has compiled 29.2 innings pitched. He’s struck out 45 batters, second on the NECBL leaderboards and has walked just 15 guys. Kirby has been crucial in Keene's turnaround, as they've gone from a 3-11 start on a 13-2 roll to get to second place in the Western Division.
4. Sean Hartnett, RHP, Newport Gulls
Hartnett has made 9 appearances (including one no-decision start) for the first-place Newport Gulls out of the pen, and is 2-1 with a 0.79 earned run average over 22.2 innings pitched as well as striking out 28 and walking just five. He's also allowed just 10 hits. Opponents are batting just .128 against him and his .660 WHIP is showing how dominant he’s been. He’s been reliable out of the pen and should help the Gulls on their quest for a title.
5. Brett Graves, RHP, Newport Gulls
Another Gull rounds out the Top 5, as Graves has been an ace for Newport. He’s 4-0 with a 0.61 ERA and has struck out 27 batters over 29.1 innings of work. He’s started five games, and has thrown at least six innings in every start but one. Pitching has been a key to the Gulls success, as Staub and others lead the league in earned run average (1.94) and are second in WHIP (1.12) and opponent average (.215).
Honorable Mention(s):Michael Burke, Holyoke Blue Sox; Kyle Wilcox, Newport Gulls; Oliver Powers, Ocean State Waves
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