Grant Rogers Named NWL Pitcher Of The Week

VANCOUVER, BC – Minor League Baseball has named Canadians starter Grant Rogers as the Northwest League Pitcher of the Week for July 29-August 4 after he established a Canadians High-A era franchise record with eight scoreless innings on August 3 to lead the C’s to a shutout win over the Tri-City Dust Devils [LAA].

Recently promoted from Single-A Dunedin, Rogers toed the slab Saturday night for the first time as a Canadian. The 6’7” right-hander made an immediate impression by retiring the first six batters of his outing then erased a lead-off single in the third with one of two double plays turned by the C’s defence. He would face the minimum through seven innings. The only time Tri-City pressured the McNeese State product was in the eighth, when they used a one-out single, a steal plus throwing error and a walk to put runners on the corners with two outs. But Rogers – at 96 pitches through 7.2 frames – bore down and struck out his final hitter of the night for his career-high ninth punchout on his 99th and final toss of the evening. His line: 8.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K. It was the first time since the C’s became the High-A affiliate of the Blue Jays that a Vancouver starter has gone eight complete.

The Groves, TX native was an 11^th round pick by the Blue Jays last year but did not make his pro debut until April. He racked up 70 strikeouts and limited opponents to a .238 average in 74.0 Florida State League innings before his promotion to the Canadians.

Rogers and the C’s continue their two-week homestand when they welcome the Eugene Emeralds [SF] to The Nat tomorrow through Sunday. The right-hander will toe the slab Saturday night. Catch all six games of RE/MAX Canadians Baseball on the C’s Broadcast Network: Bally Live and Sportsnet 650.

Tickets are available now by calling 604-872-5232, stopping by the Box Office or visiting CanadiansBaseball.com.