Kevin Hill is Midwest League Pitcher of the Week

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Quad Cities River Bandits relief pitcher Kevin Hill has been named Midwest League Pitcher of the Week for June 26 through July 2, as announced by the league office on Monday. Hill made two relief appearances last week, going 1-0 with a combined 7.2 scoreless innings. He did not allow a hit nor walk while striking out eight batters. The only two base runners against Hill both reached on errors. This is the first Midwest League weekly honor for a River Bandit this season.

Hill came out of the bullpen Wednesday, June 28, in Wisconsin with the Bandits trailing 1-0 in the fifth inning and allowed just one base runner - an error in the field behind him - while striking out four. The Bandits tied the game in the eighth inning, but eventually lost, 3-2, in 13 innings. His second relief appearance came Sunday, July 2, in Burlington, Iowa, when he entered the game in the seventh inning with Quad Cities trailing 3-2. His four perfect innings, save another fielding error behind him, allowed the Bandits to once again tie the game in the eighth inning and Quad Cities would go on to win, 4-3, in 11 innings with Hill earning the win for his efforts.
"Kevin pitched some big innings for us during this long road trip. His attack plan never wavered and he executed at a very high level," said River Bandits pitching coach Drew French. "Getting ahead in the count and early contact was his best friend, retiring over 65% of his at bats in four pitches or less. He is absolutely deserving of this honor and all the credit should go to him for how consistent his preparation and performance has been over the past week and month."
Hill has not allowed a run in his last four appearances, a span of 11.2 innings. He has not allowed a run since the All-Star break, allowing just two hits in 10.2 innings to start the second half of the season. Hill was selected by the Astros in the 26th round of the 2016 draft out of South Alabama. He joined the Bandits in May of 2017 out of extended spring training. On the season, Hill is 2-1 with a 3.60 ERA over 14 appearances. He has struck out 30 while walking ten in 25 innings of releif this season.
Hill and the Bandits begin a seven-game home stand on Tuesday, July 4, at Modern Woodmen Park, hosting the Kane County Cougars at 6:35 CT. The River Bandits will wear special patriotic jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game with proceeds benefiting March of Dimes. Plus, the largest fireworks show of the year with light up the sky above the Mississippi River after the game. For tickets for July 4 or the entire home stand, call (563) 324-3000, visit riverbandits.com or stop by the box office at Modern Woodmen Park.