Atlanta Braves Prospect Schlosser Named Carolina League Pitcher Of The Year, Ahmed And Schlehuber Named Post Season All-Stars

Lynchburg Hillcats pitcher Gus Schlosser was name the Carolina League Pitcher Of The Year today, as well as a post season All-Star. The 23 year old righty, who was drafted in the 17th round last year, has a 13-6 record, a 3.28 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, 7.4 K/9, 1.8 BB/9, and 4.2 K/BB in a league leading 159.1 innings. The sidearmer's 13 wins also lead the league. This is his second professional season, after posting a 1.82 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP, 10.3 K/9, 1.2 BB/9, 8.5 K/BB, and 8 saves in 29.2 innings over 19 relief appearances between Danville and Rome last season. He is scheduled to make his final start of the season tonight.

Hillcats shortstop Nick Ahmed and catcher Braeden Schlehuber, who were also mid season All-Stars, were named to the post season All-Star team, Ahmed as the utility player and Schlehuber as the catcher. The 22 year old Ahmed was drafted in the 2nd round last year, and this season he's hitting .262 with a .715 OPS with 6 homers and 49 RBI. He currently leads the league in at-bats (488) and stolen bases (38), is tied for the lead in games played (125), and is second in doubles (34) and runs scored (80). Last season with Danville, he hit .262 with a .725 OPS, 13 doubles, 4 homers, 24 RBI, and 18 steals in 248 at bats.

The 24 year old Schlehuber, a 4th round pick in 2008, is having a career year, hitting .269 with a .762 OPS, 16 doubles, 4 triples, 8 home runs, and 40 RBI in 283 at bats. Over the first 4 years of his career, in 922 at bats between the GCL, Rome, Myrtle Beach, Lynchburg, and Mississippi, he hit just .214 with a .590 OPS.

The Lynchburg Hillcats won the Carolina League North Division's first half title and will play in the playoffs beginning Wednesday September 5th.