For the third week in a row, a pitcher from the Bombers has won the honor of TCL Pitcher of the Week. Starting pitcher Alec Mills won the distinction for the second time this season, joining teammate Damien Rivera among the three players who have earned the recognition multiple times.
Mills earned the award following his outstanding performance last Wednesday against the TCL-leading East Texas Pump Jacks. The righty threw seven scoreless innings, striking out seven hitters and lowering his ERA to 1.73. It was only the second time the Pump Jacks have been held scoreless all season.
Mills has been one of the top pitchers in the TCL all season long. His ERA is good for fourth in the league, and he his 51 strikeouts are the second-most of all pitchers. He also leads the league with a sparkling 51:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
The sophomore from the University of Tennessee-Martin has been arguably the best pitcher in the league over the last month of play. During that time, Mills has the lowest ERA (0.33), allowing just one earned run in five appearances. Including his performance in the Cricket Wireless TCL All-Star Game, Mills has allowed just one earned run in his last six appearances, totaling 28 and one-third innings pitched.
Mills and Rivera have been putting forth consistently outstanding efforts on the mound for the Bombers as of late. The duo has combined for a 6-1 record and a 0.63 ERA in the last 30 days, and the Bombers have gone 9-2 in games that they’ve pitched.
Mills is scheduled to take his turn in the rotation again when the Bombers return home on Wednesday to face the Alexandria Aces. The game will kick off a four-game home stand for the team as they look to clinch a playoff berth. The game on Wednesday will be the fifth Angry Birds Bobblehead giveaway of the season, so make sure to come and add to your collection and support the Bombers. Tickets start at just $5, and more information can be found at www.bvbombers.com