Springfield’s Cooper Hjerpe named Texas League Pitcher of the Week

June 24, 2024 – Texas League (TL)
Springfield Cardinals news item

SPRINGFIELD, MO – Minor League Baseball announced Monday that Springfield Cardinals starting pitcher Cooper Hjerpe has been named Texas League Pitcher of the Week for the week of June 17-23. He is the second Cardinal this season to win a weekly award and joins Tributes to Nathan Church for April 15-21.

Hjerpe made just his second start for Springfield (and second career start at Double-A) on Thursday, June 20 against the Corpus Christi Hooks. In game one of a doubleheader, the left-hander threw five hitless innings, while walking one and striking out six. In the seven-inning game, Cardinals reliever Andrew Marrero fired two perfect innings, completing the first no-hitter in Springfield Cardinals history (seven of nine innings). Springfield defeated Corpus Christi 5-0.

Hjerpe won Midwest League Pitcher of the Week (A+) a little over a year ago on May 28, 2023 while with the Peoria Chiefs. This latest award is the second such honor in his professional career. The southpaw is the No. 6 overall prospect and the No. 3 pitching prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals farm system. The organization drafted him 22nd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft after an electric season at Oregon State, where he was a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award.

This weekly award comes in the middle of an exciting week for the Springfield franchise. On Sunday, June 23, the Cardinals solidified a playoff spot by winning the North Division of the Texas League in the first half. The team will host the winner of the second half in the first round of the Texas League playoffs for games two (September 19) and three (September 20 – if necessary). Details about playing times and tickets will follow at a later date.

The Cardinals kick off the second half against the Arkansas Travelers from Tuesday, June 25 through Sunday, June 30 at Hammons Field. Details about the entire homestand and promotions can be found below. Tickets are available.

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