Shirek Named IL Pitcher of the Week

(Fort Mill, SC) - Charlie Shirek, who went 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA at Knights Stadium last week, was named the International League's Pitcher of the Week for the period of April 16-22, as announced by the International League earlier today.

Shirek, 26, got off to a great start to the week. He began the week by throwing six scoreless innings on Monday, April 16 against the Durham Bulls at Knights Stadium. The North Dakota native allowed six hits with no walks and five strikeouts to beat the Bulls 14-2. It was Shirek's second win of the season.

Five days later (Saturday, April 21), Shirek tossed seven solid innings to beat the Gwinnett Braves 3-1. He allowed just one run on three hits and improved to 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA in four starts this season. All three of Shirek's wins have come at home and he is 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA at Knights Stadium this year.

Originally a 23rd round pick of the Chicago White Sox in the June 2007 First-Year Player Draft, Shirek is in his first full season with the Knights. In 2010, he made one start for Charlotte. He is currently third in the IL in innings pitched with 24.

The International League's Batter of the Week was former Knights slugger Brad Eldred. The 31-year-old hit .400 with four home runs and 15 RBIs for the week. Back in 2008, Eldred hit 35 home runs for the Knights. He won IL Batter of the Week once that season with Charlotte.

The Knights return home to Knights Stadium on Monday, May 7 and open an eight-game homestand. Tickets for all games on the upcoming homestand can be purchased online at www.charlotteknights.com, in-person at the Knights Stadium Ticket Office, or by phone at 704-357-8071 (North Carolina), or 803-548-8050 (South Carolina). Baseball Fans Wanted... No Experience Necessary!