Kruczynski named Texas League Pitcher of the Week

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The Texas League has announced Springfield Cardinals left-handed pitcher Evan Kruczynski as Pitcher of the Week for July 30 - August 5.

Kruczynski, 23, was 1-1 with a 0.64 ERA over two starts last week, striking out 14 over 14.0 innings. The starts were the first two of his Double-A career. He led or was among the leaders in the Texas League for pitchers with multiple starts in ERA (1st), hits allowed (8, 1st), runs allowed (1, 1st), batting average against (.167, 1st) and WHIP (0.79, 2nd). He was also among the leaders for all pitchers in innings pitched (14.0, 1st) and strikeouts (14, 2nd).

Kruczysnki tossed 7.0 scoreless innings on July 30 against the Tulsa Drillers, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out eight in a 6-3 Cardinals win at Hammons Field. On August 4, Kruczysnki allowed one run over 7.0 innings on the road against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, striking out six while allowing six hits and a walk.

The Franklin, Wisconsin native is 1-1 with a 0.64 ERA and 0.79 WHIP since making his Double-A debut on July 30. He's struck out 14 in 14.0 innings to just three walks.

Over 15 starts with High-A Palm Beach earlier this season, Kruczynski was 5-3 with a 4.03 ERA, striking out 74 over 76.0 innings.

Cardinals players have been awarded Texas League Pitcher of the Week or Player of the Week each of the past three weeks. Infielder Andy Young was named Player of the Week for July 23-29. Pitcher Anthony Shew was named Pitcher of the Week for July 16-22.

Kruczynski was drafted by St. Louis in the 9th round of the June 2017 First-Year Player Draft after four seasons at East Carolina University.

Kruczynski is the second Cardinals pitcher to earn Pitcher of the Week honors this season, joining Shew. Young, first baseman/catcher Chris Chinea, first baseman John Nogowski and outfielders Victor Roache and Lane Thomas were previously named Texas League Player of the Week.