AROUND THE LEAGUES

Outfielder Jacob Cruz (Channel Islands) of triple-A Phoenix batted .486 (52 of 107) in June, the highest batting average in the minors during the month. . . . Left-hander Chris Garza (Notre Dame) of single-A Ft. Wayne had a 0.47 earned-run average over 19 1/3 innings in June, the second-lowest ERA in the minors for pitchers with 18 or more innings.

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Scanning Sunday’s box scores: TRIPLE A--Right-hander Russ Ortiz (Montclair Prep) struck out nine batters and allowed only one run over 6 1/3 innings for Phoenix. DOUBLE A--First baseman Kevin Millar (Hart) had three hits, including his 21st home run, and four runs batted in for Portland.

Scanning Monday’s box scores: TRIPLE A--Catcher Bobby Hughes (Notre Dame) hit a home run for Tucson. SINGLE A--Right-hander Josh Towers (Hueneme, Oxnard College) struck out four in three scoreless innings of middle relief for Frederick. . . . First baseman Nate Dishington (Hoover) hit his 15th home run for Prince William. . . . Right-hander Keith Evans (Crespi) improved to 10-6 for Cape Fear, striking out seven and yielding five hits and three runs over seven innings. . . . First baseman Eric Gillespie (Cal State Northridge) had three hits, including his 21st double, for Cedar Rapids. ROOKIE--Right-hander Jon Garland (Kennedy) pitched two scoreless innings for the Cubs in the Arizona League, giving up two hits and striking out three.