Kyle Virbitsky Named California League Pitcher of the Week

STOCKTON, Calif.- Stockton Ports starting pitcher Kyle Virbitsky has been named the California League Pitcher of the Week for the week of June 13-19, Minor League Baseball announced Monday morning. This is the first time Virbitsky has earned the award.

Virbitsky is the third Port to receive the honors this season after Denzel Clarke and Mitch Myers were both named the second week of the season.

The Media, Pennsylvania native dominated in his Friday start against the Visalia Rawhide striking out nine in a seven inning, five-hit scoreless performance to get his third win of the season and giving the Ports their third win of the series. He found himself in some troubled waters to start off the game having the bases loaded and just one out but was able to get out of the inning unscathed by striking out Sergio Gutierrez and inducing an inning ending ground ball to end the threat. His nine strikeouts were one short of tying a career high of 10 set back on May 6th against the San Jose Giants.

On the season, Virbitsky has a 3-3 record and a 5.74 earned run average with just 15 walks allowed. He has at least five strikeouts in eight of his eleven games pitched, including one relief appearance and is first on the team in strikeouts (60) and second in innings pitched (55).

The Ports (25-38) return to Banner Island Ballpark this week beginning a 12-game home stand. They’ll open with a six-game series against the San Jose Giants on Tuesday, June 21 at 7:05 pm. Single game tickets are available at stocktonports.com, the box office or by calling the Front Office at 209-644-1900.