Intimidators' Hawkins keeps on raking

Courtney Hawkins has a pretty simple approach to hitting. And with the results he's gotten, there's not much need to change.

The 13th overall pick by the White Sox in the June Draft compiled four hits for the first time in his young career as Class A Kannapolis defeated Hagerstown, 11-4, on Monday.

Hawkins smacked three doubles and scored twice. The 18-year-old outfielder drove in a run, stole a base and threw out a runner at second base for good measure.

"I just go with the same approach every day and that's to hit," Hawkins said. "I just kind of hit the ball hard and got it in the gap."

His approach has served him well at two levels. The Texas native batted .274 with three homers and 16 RBIs in 38 Appalachian League for Rookie-level Bristol. Hawkins' performance on Monday raised his average to .314 for the Intimidators. Of his 11 hits with the club, five have gone for extra bases. His route to continued success is pretty straight-forward.

"Keep hitting, making contact and putting the bat on the ball," Hawkins said.

It's rare to see a player fresh out of high school make the jump to a full-season league. Hawkins is aware of that and grateful for the chance to play in the South Atlantic League.

"I'm happy to be here," he said. "It's good to get moved up and contribute to the team and help them win."

Chris Curley slugged a two-run homer, scored three times and stole two bases while Leighton Pangilinan had three hits for Kannapolis.

Max Peterson (1-1) tossed four one-hit innings of relief to earn the win.