Lynchburg outfielder Mike Papi picked up where the team left off last year by garnering the first Carolina League Player of the Week Award for 2016.
Papi posted the first multi-homer game of his career Saturday, which included a go-ahead solo home run in the 10th inning of an 8-5 Hillcats victory. He followed that up with a solo home run Sunday to give him three homers in the past two days. Papi added two doubles as part of a 3-for-4 day in the series finale at Frederick Sunday afternoon.
“I’m always blessed to play this game,” Papi said after his pair of home runs Saturday. “I’m always blessed with all of the opportunities it gives me. It is a great feeling to have a multi-homer game, but at the end of the day, it’s more fun to come out with a win.”
To begin the season, the 38th overall pick of 2014 is batting .314 with a league-leading four home runs. Papi also tops the Carolina League with an .800 slugging percentage and nine extra-base hits while ranking in the top five of numerous other categories.
After leading the league in walks last year, Papi ranks third this year with nine free passes. His nine RBIs are second in the Carolina League behind only his teammate, Bobby Bradley, who has 10.
“I had a really good spring training,” said Papi. “I’m very confident and feel good where my swing’s at right now. I’ve been hitting the ball well and making some loud outs, which is good. I’m striking the ball well and putting together good, quality at-bats.”
Lynchburg continues its seven-day road trip by opening a three-game series at Potomac tonight at 7:05 p.m. The Hillcats’ next home game will be against Frederick Thursday night at 6:30 p.m.
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Chris Graham
