MARIO SANTIAGO NAMED CAROLINA LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE WEEK

Wilmington, DE - Wilmington Blue Rocks starting pitcher Mario Santiago has been named the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week for games played between June 8 and June 14.

Santiago's honored start was part of the Wilmington staff's franchise-record-setting four straight shutouts during the week. It was a run that helped set a team record by recording 38 consecutive scoreless innings. The 24-year-old enjoyed the longest outing of his professional career on June 8, tossing eight shutout frames while allowing only four hits in Wilmington's 1-0 victory over the Salem Red Sox. His six strikeouts were one shy of equaling his season-high.

The Puerto Rico native, who is in his second year with the Blue Rocks, has recovered from his slow start. Over his last three outings, Santiago is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA and the team has been victorious in each game. For the season, the right-hander is 3-5 with a 4.02 ERA in 62.2 innings pitched. The Blue Rocks lead the league with a 3.53 team ERA.

Santiago returns to the rubber against the Nationals tonight at 7:05 p.m. as the Rocks and P-Nats open a three-game set in Potomac.

Wilmington then returns home to finish out the season's first-half with a five-game, four-day series at Frawley Stadium against the Winston-Salem Dash. For tickets call 302-888-BLUE (2583), or visit bluerocks.com.