Shibuya named Topps August Player of the Month

Cedar Rapids, IA - RHP Tim Shibuya has been named the Topps Player of the Month for August in the Midwest League. The Topps Company of New York, NY, presents the monthly awards, in conjunction with Minor League Baseball.

Shibuya went 3-0 in the month of August and led MWL pitchers in ERA (0.88) WHIP (0.72). He ranked second in batting average against (.167) and struck out 17 in 30.2 IP. He ended the month with a 4-hit, complete game shutout at Clinton on August 31. The Twins selected Shibuya in the 23^rd round of the 2011 First Year Player Draft out of the University of California-San Diego.

Shibuya was also named the MWL Pitcher of the Week for the period August 26 - September 2.

Former Kernels outfielder Byron Buxton was named the Topps Player of the Month for August in the Florida State League and former Kernels outfielder Randal Grichuk was named the co-Player of the Month in the Texas League.

2014 Kernels season ticket packages are on sale now at the stadium by calling the Kernels at (319) 363-3887. Individual game tickets go on sale Monday, March 10^th at 10 am. The Kernels open the 2014 MWL season at home at 6:35 pm against Clinton on Thursday, April 3^rd.