'Monty' Makes an Impression

MIDLAND, Mich. - Great Lakes Loons relief pitcher Bret Montgomery (6-1, 2.78) made three appearances for the Loons this week (8/8-8/14) in which he limited opposing batters to one hit in 6.2 scoreless innings, striking out eight and walking none, to pick up his sixth win and third save of the season. The efforts earn him the title of Midwest League Pitcher of the Week.

"I'm surprised, I thought [the award] went to starters," the 26-year-old Montgomery said, receiving the news prior to the Loons batting practice on Monday. "So as a middle reliever and not really as a closer, I'm just surprised."

The three appearances from August 8 to 14, which earned him the award, are the most recent part of a 22.2-inning scoreless streak, spanning all the way back to his three-inning outing on July 14 against the Clinton Lumber Kings.

"I've been throwing the ball well lately," he said. "I've been getting my hits down and haven't been giving up runs or anything really. I've just been doing my job better lately I guess."

During the stretch, Montgomery has tossed 21 strikeouts to only two walks for a startling ratio of 10 strikeouts for every walk. The 6'7" pitcher out of California has been carving up batters all season, with a total of 78 strikeouts, and doing so with precision, only walking 14.

"I've always been taught to throw strikes and I never like to give up a free base," he said. "I'd rather give up that hit instead of just letting them walk [to first]. With the defense we have behind us, if I can get a ground ball or a pop-up, most of the time we'll get an out. So I try to go right at them."

Prior to his scoreless stretch of 11 relief appearances, Montgomery held a 3.67 ERA. He has since shaved that down to 2.78, picking up three wins and one save along the way. Each week, the Midwest League selects one offensive player and one pitcher for its player of the week awards. The Great Lakes Loons have had three players selected as a Player of the Week this season: Jon Garcia (4/7-4/17, 6/13-6/19), Red Patterson (5/30-6/5) and Montgomery this week.

The Great Lakes Loons are a fifth-year Single-A partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and members of the Midwest League. For more information about the Loons, visit Loons.com or call 989-837-BALL.