Morris one homer away from tying record

VIERA, Fla. -- Brevard County Manatees first baseman Hunter Morris is one home run away from tying the franchise's single-season home run mark of 18 home runs. Morris hit his 17th homer of the season this past Friday against the Tampa Yankees.

Brock Kjeldgaard tied the record earlier this season, but he was promoted to Double-A Huntsville, before he could break it. Jose Santos also hit 18 homers for the Manatees back in 2001.

Morris has played in 112 games for Brevard County this season and is currently fourth in the Florida State League with 48 extra base hits, fourth in total bases with 210 and tied for fifth in the league with his 17 home runs.

In late May, Morris was called up to Double-A Huntsville for four games and hit .353 (6-for-17).

A native of Huntsville, Ala., Morris was selected in the fourth round of the 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft out of Auburn University.

The Manatees are currently on a seven-game road trip and will return home on Tuesday, August 30. Of Morris's 17 home runs this season, eight have come on the road and nine have been at Space Coast Stadium.

For more information on the Brevard County Manatees, visit ManateesBaseball.com or call (321) 633-9200.