Hess Named Carolina League Pitcher of the Week

FREDERICK, Md.-The Frederick Keys are excited to announce that Keys starting pitcher, David Hess, has been named the Carolina League "Pitcher of the Week" for June 22-28. It marks the first time in his professional career that the 21-year-old has earned a weekly honor, while he becomes the second Keys player to garner a weekly award in 2015. Former Keys infielder, Drew Dosch, was named the League's Player of the Week for April 20-27.

Pitching against the Salem Red Sox on Saturday, Hess tossed five shutout innings of three-hit baseball. He walked two and struck out four, to earn his first second-half win. In the game, Hess, Donnie Hart and Cody Wheeler allowed one run on six combined hits in a 3-1 victory.

In 15 games (14 starts) with Frederick this year, Hess is 3-4 with a 5.43 ERA. In 71.1 innings, he has allowed 72 hits, walked 29 and struck out 59. Opponents are batting .255 against the Tennessee native, while he is limiting left-handers to a .233 average.  

The first Keys pitcher to win a Pitcher of the Week Honor since Steven Brault last August, Hess was selected by the Orioles in the fifth round of the 2014 draft out of Tennessee Tech. Splitting time between Short-Season Aberdeen and Low-A Delmarva, the right-hander went a combined 2-1 with a 3.20 ERA in eight games (five starts). He is rated as the No. 20 prospect in the Orioles system according to Baseball America.

The Keys and the Blue Rocks play the middle game of their series on Monday night. Lefty Mitch Horacek (4-7, 3.96) starts for Frederick, while Wilmington will counter with southpaw Sean Manaea (0-0, --). It is Harry Potter Night at the ballpark, while fans can decorate their very own wand on the concourse. First pitch is slated for 7:00 p.m and the broadcast can be heard on 1450 AM The Source and frederickkeys.com. For tickets, fans can contact the Keys at 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.