Red-hot Morneau is NL Player of the Week
First baseman hit three homers, drove in 12 runs; second Rockies player to win this year
For the second time in three weeks, a Rockies player has been named the National League Player of the Week. This time, it was first baseman Justin Morneau, who won the award on Monday.
The veteran first baseman joins teammate Charlie Blackmon, who was a co-recipient of the award in the season's first week. It's Morneau's third career weekly honor, as he previously won it while with the Twins in the American League for the weeks of July 6, 2009, and July 9, 2007.
Over the course of seven games last week, Morneau had a Major League-best 12 RBIs and .875 slugging percentage. His 21 total bases was tied for the most in the Majors, while his three homers were tied for second in the NL and his .375 average ranked 10th in the league.
Morneau had nine RBIs over three games against the Phillies this past weekend, including five in the series finale Sunday. That made for his third consecutive multi-RBI game and fourth in five contests. He also hit his fourth home run of the season in the 10-9 loss, after belting his first homer at Coors Field this season on Saturday.
Morneau also had a major impact in the field in Friday's 12-1 win, setting a career high and tying a Rockies franchise record with 18 putouts in the nine-inning game.
Fellow Rockies Troy Tulowitzki (.500 batting average, eight runs, 11 hits, four doubles, one home run, six RBIs, .818 slugging, .571 on-base) and LaTroy Hawkins (three saves) were also recognized for their performances this week.