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After a slow start to the season, Tunkhannock grad Mike Papi seems to be back on the right track for the Double-A Akron RubberDucks.

Midst of an nine-game hitting streak, Papi has risen his batting average back above .300 for the first time since April 15, when it was at .320. The first baseman went 4 for 8 with two runs scored to get his average up to .310 Thursday and Friday, which ranks first on the team.

The former WVC star was able to collect a trio of multi-hit games this week, with his first coming on May 7 against Altoona and his second and third coming Thursday and Friday against Binghamton.

Papi scored the lone run in the RubberDucks’ 1-0 win against the Rumble Ponies on Thursday. He scored in the fourth inning after getting on with a lead-off single.

Matt Wotherspoon

The Crestwood grad has continued to be a staple in the bullpen for Double-A Trenton.

Wotherspoon pitched four innings heading into Saturday’s game against Harrisburg, with 1.2 innings coming May 7 against Erie and 2.1 innings against the Senators on Thursday. The Mountain Top native improved his shutout streak to 10.1 innings stretching through seven appearances, dating back to April 17.

Wotherspoon entered in the sixth inning for Trenton starting pitcher Justus Sheffield and held down the fort. Facing a 4-2 deficit, he cruised through his 2.1 innings, allowing just one hit and a pair of walks.

Tony Hernandez

The 20-year-old Hazleton Area grad has yet to pitch for a Yankees affiliate this season.

Matt Wotherspoon
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Matt-Wotherspoon-mug-CMYK2017422112880.jpg.optimal.jpgMatt Wotherspoon

Papi
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Papi2017414174332465.jpg.optimal.jpgPapi

By DJ Eberle

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Reach DJ Eberle at 570-991-6398 or on Twitter @ByDJEberle