Erick Leal Named Pitcher of the Week

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - South Bend starting pitcher Erick Leal has been named the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week by MiLB.com staff, the league announced Monday afternoon.

Leal tossed nine no-hit innings against Kane County on Tuesday at Four Winds Field. The 20-year old right-hander from Venezuela only surrendered one base runner on 87 pitches, while fanning four.

"Man, I don't have words to explain it today," Leal said after the historic performance. "Today is a big day. Today is my first time nine innings too. My second baseman [David Bote] helped me a lot today too. Amazing today."

Kane County defeated South Bend, 1-0, in 12 innings. Leal finished the top of the ninth inning by inducing a groundout to first. He then walked to the first-base dugout and saluted the crowd, which responded with a standing ovation.

Leal retired the first 13 batters he faced before surrendering the walk in the fifth. Cubs second baseman David Bote made a sliding play up the middle in the second and a sprawling catch on a blooper into right-center field in the seventh.

"He saved my life," Leal said of Bote.

Leal becomes the fourth South Bend player-and first pitcher-to claim the league's weekly honor. First baseman/catcher Cael Brockmeyer was named the initial Player of the Week for April 9-20, while outfielder/first baseman Yasiel Balaguert (May 25-June 1) and outfielder Jeffrey Baez (July 13-20) have also copped the recognition.

After Monday's day off, South Bend starts a three-game series against Beloit on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. ET at Pohlman Field in Beloit, Wisconsin.