Axelrod named IL Pitcher of the Week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Louisville Bats right-hander Dylan Axelrod has been named the International League Pitcher of the Week for the period from August 4-10, the league announced Monday.

In his latest start on August 5 versus Rochester, Axelrod pitched his first career nine-inning shutout as the Bats defeated the Red Wings 1-0 in the series finale.

"I just threw a lot of strikes and got ahead," Axelrod told MiLB.com following his outing. "[Rochester is] a very aggressive team, so I just tried to pitch to contact. We played great defense tonight and Tucker Barnhart behind the plate was awesome. He called a great game."

The complete-game shutout was Louisville's first since former Bats right-hander Yohan Pino blanked Syracuse on July 25, 2013. Additionally, the two hits allowed by Axelrod matched a season low for Louisville pitchers, previously recorded on April 20 at Indianapolis when right-hander Josh Smith and left-hander Lee Hyde combined to allow only two hits.

The 29-year-old right-hander became the second Louisville pitcher to be named Pitcher of the Week this season. Southpaw Jeff Francis was previously honored after pitching six shutout innings to go along with no walks and six strikeouts in Louisville's season opener at Toledo on April 4.

Axelrod made his way to Louisville by way of a trade with the Chicago White Sox over the All-Star break. He has now made four starts with Louisville, three of which qualify as quality outings, and has posted a 1-1 record with a 2.60 ERA. In 18 games and 16 starts with the Charlotte Knights prior to his trade, Axelrod went 6-7 with a 4.50 ERA. He pitched in parts of three seasons with the White Sox, including all of last year, and is 7-13 with a 5.36 ERA in 48 games and 30 starts at the Major League level.