Josiah Gray named Appy League Pitcher of the Week

BURLINGTON, N.C. -- The Appalachian League announced Monday that Greeneville Reds RHP Josiah Gray has been named the circuit's Pitcher of the Week for the time period between July 2-8. This is the first weekly honor for a Greeneville Red player in franchise history. It is the first time a Greeneville pitcher has been recognized since RHP Jorge Alcala was honored from August 15-21, 2016.
In his lone start last week on July 3 at Johnson City, Gray tossed five hitless innings to earn his first professional victory. The 20-year-old walked the first batter he faced in the contest and then proceeded to retire the final 15 men he squared off against. Gray finished the night with one walk and five strikeouts in an 8-2 Reds triumph.
The award is the first of Gray's professional career. The honor is the first by any Greeneville player since INF Roman Garcia was named the league's Player of the Week for August 7-13 of last season.
Had he posted enough innings to qualify, Gray would rank fourth among Appalachian League pitchers in ERA (2.45). Through three professional starts, the right-hander has a 1-1 record with a 2.45 ERA (3 ER in 11.0 IP), two walks, and 11 strikeouts. Opponents are hitting just .128 (5-39) against him.
Gray was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the supplemental second round (72nd overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Le Moyne (N.Y.) College.
The Reds will look to salvage the final game of their series against the Burlington Royals on Monday night, as Gray is expected to take the mound. Burlington is slated to counter with RHP Elvis Luciano (0-3, 8.25 ERA).
The G-Reds Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:45 p.m. ET, leading up to the 7:00 p.m. ET start at Burlington Athletic Stadium. Monday evening's contest can be heard on GreenevilleReds.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps. 
The Reds will return home on Saturday, July 14 to open up a three-game set against the Bristol Pirates. It will be Star Wars Night at the ballpark that evening featuring special movie-themed uniforms, music, food, and on-field games. In addition, the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a special Lightsaber Giveaway courtesy of Consumer Credit Union. That night's jersey's will be auctioned off to benefit the United Way of Greene County.
Season and single-game tickets are still available and can be purchased online at GreenevilleReds.com or by calling the Reds' Ticket Office at (423) 609-7400.