Congratulations to former Gamecock 3rd bagger, James Darnell, who was promoted to the Triple A squad of the San Diego Padres on July 4th. In 76 games with the Double A San Antonio Missions, Darnell hit .333 (96-for-288) with 25 doubles, 17 home runs, 62 RBI and 62 runs scored. In the first half of the Texas League season, Darnell led the league in extra-base hits (43) and was second in doubles, on-base percentage (.434), slugging percentage (.604), tied for second in homers and RBI, third in average, hits, total bases (174) and walks (52) and fifth in runs. He was named the Texas League's All-Star Game MVP on June 29 after going 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in a 3-2 win.
In his first at bat with Tucson, Darnell stroked a RBI double. He finished the game going 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored. Pretty good to get the cleanup slot in your first game. Darnell will represent the USA in the upcoming Futures Game on July 10. Oh, and my brothers and I are partial to Darnell's girlfriend as well.
