MERCEDES NAMED CO-PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Author of 23-Game Streak Honored

Melvin Mercedes, who set the Lancaster franchise record with a 23-game hitting streak during the month of July was named Atlantic League Co-Player of the Month, it was announced today.

He shares the honors with Long Island outfielder Alejandro de Aza, a former Barnstormer, and Gastonia outfielder Zach Jarett.

Mercedes batted .368 for the month with six homers and 24 RBI.  His streak began against Staten Island on July 3 with a 3-for-4 game against the Ferryhawks.  On July 24 at York, Mercedes broke the franchise record previously held by Matt LeCroy and Caleb Gindl when he batted safely for the 21^st consecutive game.  The streak went on for two more games against Southern Maryland, including his first career two-homer game, before it finally ended on July 29 at Staten Island.  He went 0-for-4 with a walk and three fly ball outs in that contest.

For the season, the Lancaster second baseman is batting .291 with a career-high 10 home runs.  He has walked 62 times and scored 70 runs, both ranking him among the Atlantic League leaders.

“Mellie has come around offensively which is one of the main reasons we are playing better,” said Lancaster manager Ross Peeples.  “He’s stepped up since we lost our middle of the lineup guys.  Mellie is one of those players who is fun to watch and brings energy to our team.”

He is the second Barnstormer so honored this season.  First baseman Kelly Dugan shared the honor with Lexington’s Courtney Hawkins in May.