Banks claims second weekly award of 2015
GREAT FALLS, Mont. (September 8, 2015) - Voyager lefty Tanner Banks was named the Pioneer League Pitcher of the Week for the second time this season the league announced Tuesday, claiming the third Pitcher of the Week award and fourth overall weekly honor for Great Falls in 2015.
An 18th round selection by the White Sox in last year's draft, Banks worked six scoreless innings in game one of Sunday's doubleheader against Missoula to help lead Great Falls to a crucial win in their race toward the playoffs. The southpaw scattered four hits and struck out five in his six innings, earning his sixth quality start of the campaign.
The starting pitcher for the Pioneer League in last month's All-Star Game, Banks currently owns the lowest ERA among qualified pitchers in the league, at 2.51. The former Utah Ute also took home the league's Pitcher of the Week honors for the week of July 13-19 for his July 15 start in Ogden. In that outing, the 23-year old Banks held the Raptors scoreless, allowing just three hits over six frames of work.
The Voyagers wrap-up their 2015 regular season tonight in Billings as they try to clinch a postseason berth for the ninth straight season. In order to punch their ticket to the playoffs, Great Falls needs to win, and have Missoula knock off Helena. First pitch at Dehler Park is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., and coverage will begin at 6:50 on 1400 AM and here.