Wisconsin fans have another reason to celebrate as infielder Eric Bitonti was honored as the Midwest League Player of the Week. The award caps a remarkable finish to the Timber Rattlers’ season, highlighted by a dominant performance in the final six games against the playoff‑bound South Bend Cubs at Neuroscience Group Field.
Record‑setting power and clutch hitting
Bitonti, listed as the #26 prospect in the Milwaukee Brewers system by MLB Pipeline, broke the Timber Rattlers’ single‑season home‑run record with his 24th long ball on August 27. While the record‑breaking homer was a milestone, it was his overall offensive output that secured the weekly honor.
During the six‑game series, Bitonti went 9‑for‑23 at the plate, and every one of his seven hits was for extra bases. His slash line produced an OPS of 1.438, a figure that underscores both his power and his ability to get on base. He also crossed the plate eight times and drove in twelve runs, directly contributing to Wisconsin’s split of the series with the Cubs.
Game‑changing moments
The highlight of the series came on Sunday afternoon when Bitonti delivered a two‑run double in the bottom of the eighth inning. The hit gave the Rattlers a 9‑8 lead, showcasing his knack for delivering in high‑pressure situations.
Bitonti joins a select group of Timber Rattlers who have earned weekly league honors this season. Prior recipients include Braylon Payne, Andrew Fischer, Josiah Ragsdale, Daniel Dickinson and pitcher Wande Torres, who was named Pitcher of the Week.
Looking ahead
With the regular season winding down, the Timber Rattlers will close out their schedule with a final series in Beloit. The first game of the six‑game set is slated for Tuesday at 6:05 p.m., giving fans one more opportunity to see Bitonti and his teammates compete before the postseason begins.
For local supporters, Bitonti’s achievement reflects the strength of the Brewers’ farm system and provides a bright spot for Wisconsin baseball as the community looks forward to the next chapter of minor‑league competition.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
