Press Releases
June 04, 2007
For Immediate Release
Chris Sprague
(614) 791-9300
JUSTIN RUGGIANO NAMED IL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
The International League announced today that Durham outfielder Justin Ruggiano has been named the League's Batter-of-the-Week for the period from May 28-June 3. Ruggiano becomes the fourth member of the Bulls to win an IL weekly award this year, joining pitchers Jason Hammel (April 5-15), Andy Sonnanstine (April 23-29), and Mitch Talbot (May 21-27).
Ruggiano collected 10 hits in six games this week to earn the IL's Batter-of-the-Week award. In the process, Ruggiano lifted his batting average to a team-best .302. In his first season at the Triple-A level, Ruggiano has been swinging a hot bat. He's hit safely in eight straight games and in 23 of his last 27. Four of his six games this week were multi-hit efforts, including all three games so far in the club's current series against Louisville, which concludes this afternoon. Three of Ruggiano's ten hits this week were long balls, giving him eight on the year (tied with Wes Bankston for the team lead). He also added a pair of doubles, giving him a total of five extra-base hits. Ruggiano posted an .875 slugging percentage over the six-game stretch, tied for best in the League with rehabbing outfielder Josh Hamilton of Louisville. In addition to leading the Bulls in hitting and home runs, Ruggiano also leads his club in hits (55) and runs (30), and is tied for the lead in stolen bases (7).
25-year-old Justin Ruggiano is in his fourth professional season, and his first full year in the Tampa Bay organization. Ruggiano was acquired from the Dodgers in a trade last season. He entered the year as a career .306 batter in 290 Minor League games. Ruggiano is a native of Austin, TX.
