April 18, 200323 yr BIRMINGHAM (SOU) LHP NEAL COTTS struck out nine batters over five innings to lead the Barons past the Mobile BayBears, 4-2. Cotts, who was drafted in the second round by the Oakland Athletics in 2001 and then traded to the Chicago White Sox on December 16, 2002, scattered four hits over the outing and earned his third straight win despite surrendering his first two runs in the Class AA Southern League. The 6-2 southpaw, who had held opponents scoreless in 12 consecutive innings to start the season, struck out six straight batters between the first and third innings and is now tied for the league lead with 25 strikeouts. Although he utilizes a fastball that barely breaks 90 mph, the 23-year-old Illinois native has posted an impressive ratio of 15.0 strikeouts per nine innings, almost four better than his mark from Class A ball.
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