Tiger track and field trio honored
In a span of two days, Memphis Redbirds’ righthander Jake Woodford made a pair of stellar additions to his professional baseball resume.
On Tuesday, Woodford was named the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week.
The following day, it was announced that Woodford would be the PCL’S starter in the Triple-a All-star Game. The annual contest against the International League is scheduled for July 10 in El Paso.
“It’s extremely humbling and it’s just an exciting opportunity to go pitch with the best people in Triple-a,” said Woodford. “It’s something that I’m really looking forward to.”
The top vote-getter among pitchers, Woodford becomes the sixth Redbirds to start an All-star Game, joining a list that includes Dakota Hudson (2018), Chris Gissell (2005), Dan Haren (2004), Bud Smith (2001) and Larry Luebbers (1999).
“It’s definitely an honor, and something I’m not going to take lightly,” he said. “I’m just going to treat it as normal as I can. It’s going to be an abbreviated start, but I want to go out there and compete. At the same time, just enjoy all the festivities – and taking it all in.”
Woodford entered the week with a 5-3 record, amassing a club-best 87.2 innings.
His 3.39 ERA was third in the PCL, while he was sixth in the strikeout department with 74. All those numbers were boosted following his June 22 effort at Oklahoma City where Woodford tossed seven scoreless innings, scattering two hits in a 5-0 victory over the Dodgers.
It’s the second time this season a Memphis hurler was named Pitcher of the Week. Austin Gomber earned that feather in his cap in April.
“There’s a good amount of competition in this organization,” Woodford said. “They do a great job of drafting good arms, developing them and pushing them along the way, so it’s definitely special to be a part of this.”
With Woodford and Gomber anchoring the pitching staff, Rangel Ravelo is leading the way offensively. Through Thursday’s action, he was tops on the club with 76 hits and a .326 batting average, and he’s also been afforded the opportunity to represent the PCL in El Paso.
Earlier this year, Ravelo, put together a 19-game hitting streak. Additionally, the infielder made MLB debut with St. Louis.
Woodford and Ravelo have three previous midseason all-star appearances. Woodford in the Texas League (Springfield, 2018) and Midwest League (Peoria, 2016). Ravelo was a South Atlantic League All-star with Kannapolis in 2012.
Nearly a month after being chosen to the Google CLOUD/COSIDA Academic All-district III team with three of their University of Memphis track and field teammates, Matthew Kamph, Olushola Olojo and Ashley Pryke were named to the All-america third team.
Kristen Adams, Adam Neelly and Paige Sandwell were also in the running for those accolades.
“A tremendous honor,” said Tiger head coach Kevin Robinson, in a statement.
“This is a testament to the discipline these studentathletes have to persevere through trying moments and still manage to be outstanding students and great athletes at the same time.”
Memphis led the American Athletic Conference with three academic All-americans for the second consecutive year.
Jackson capture 22nd TGA title
Memphis native Tim Jackson has now won a record 22 Tennessee Golf Association championships after beating Scott Patton in the finals of the Tennessee Senior Match Play June 21 at Bear Trace at Harrison Bay. Jackson has won the event four of the last five years. The 60-year-old Williston resident lost in the semifinals at this very same course in 2016.
“For me, I’m late in my career and I’m just blessed that I still have my health,” Jackson said in a statement.
“I’ve never really had any injury problems and I have a family that supports me and allows me to chase my dream, so I’m just very fortunate.”
Jackson earned victories at the United States Midamateur Championship in both 1994 and 2001.
He participated in the Masters in 1995 and 2002.
Chris Van Tuyl Memphis Commercial Appeal USA TODAY NETWORK – TENNESSEE
Long jumper sets Senior Games record
The 2019 National Senior Games are officially in the books, and of the four American records broken during the track and field portion, one of those feats were accomplished by a Memphian.
Neringe Jakstiene eclipsed the American women’s 55-59 long jump record with a jump of 5.06m.
The native Lithuanian's gold medal was one of 135 won by a Tennessee athlete in Albuquerque.
There were 346 total medals earned by the Volunteer State, which was fifth overall.
Sunday Sports Brunch is a weekly look at movers, shakers and newsmakers on the Memphis sports scene, from youth level to the pros.
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