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Powell's perfect night powers Lakeland

Tigers infielder delivers second five-hit night in past eight games
June 5, 2014

Curt Powell tied a career high with five hits Wednesday, but one doesn't have to go back too far to find out when he set the record.

For the second time in eight games, the Tigers infield prospect tallied five base knocks, powering Class A Advanced Lakeland to a 10-3 rout of Fort Myers.

The 23-year-old went 5-for-5 and matched career bests with three RBIs and two runs scored in his 14th multi-hit game of the season. The Tennessee native also doubled twice for the first time in his career.

Powell began the season with Class A West Michigan, but after hitting .265 in eight games, he was promoted to the Florida State League.

The Georgia product has seemed to hit his stride with the Flying Tigers, hitting .426 in his last 10 games -- including three games in which he collected four or more hits. Through 46 games, Powell is sporting a .311/.351/.399 slash line from the No. 2 spot in the Lakeland lineup.

The 2013 Draft pick is especially doing well with runners in scoring position. With 20 RBIs for the Flying Tigers, Powell is hitting .396 with a man on second or third.

The second baseman, who also plays short for Lakeland, drove in Tyler Hanover twice. Powell also plated Chad Wright, who scored three runs in the game. The leadoff hitter leads his teammates in hits (69), runs (41), doubles (15), total bases (95), walks (24) and slugging (.440).

Jake Thompson (6-1) picked up his fourth win in as many decisions. The Tigers' No. 3 prospect allowed two runs -- one earned -- on four hits while striking out four over five innings.

In his first start since being demoted from Double-A New Britain, Fort Myers starter DJ Baxendale (0-1) yielded six runs on six hits while fanning four over five frames. Alex Wimmers, who went 1-3 with a 4.86 ERA in seven games as a starter, spelled relief for his second straight outing. In three innings, the right-hander was tagged with four runs -- two earned -- on six hits while striking out six.

Kelsie Heneghan is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow her on Twitter @Kelsie_Heneghan.